Effect of vitamin D supplementation on vitamin D status and bone turnover markers in young adults

Eur J Clin Nutr. 2006 Jun;60(6):727-33. doi: 10.1038/sj.ejcn.1602374. Epub 2006 Jan 4.

Abstract

Objective: To assess the vitamin D status of healthy young people living in Northern Ireland and the effect of vitamin D supplementation on vitamin D status and bone turnover.

Design: Double-blinded randomised controlled intervention study.

Setting: University of Ulster, Coleraine, Northern Ireland.

Subjects: In total, 30 apparently healthy students (15 male and 15 female subjects), aged 18-27 years, were recruited from the university, with 27 completing the intervention.

Interventions: Subjects were randomly assigned, to receive either 15 microg (600 IU) vitamin D(3) and 1,500 mg calcium/day (vitamin D group), or 1,500 mg calcium/day (control group) for 8 weeks between January and March. Vitamin D status, bone turnover markers, serum calcium and parathyroid hormone concentrations were measured at baseline and post intervention.

Results: At baseline, vitamin D status was low in both the vitamin D group (47.9 (s.d. 16.0)) and the control group (55.5 (s.d. 18.6) nmol/l 25(OH)D). Post intervention vitamin D status was significantly higher in the vitamin D-treated group (86.5 (s.d. 24.5)) compared to the control group (48.3 (s.d. 16.8) nmol/l) (P<0.0001). There was no significant effect of supplementation on bone turnover markers or PTH concentrations.

Conclusions: This study suggests that young adults in Northern Ireland do not consume an adequate daily dietary intake of vitamin D to maintain plasma vitamin D concentrations in the wintertime. A daily supplement of 15 microg vitamin D(3) significantly increased vitamin D status in these individuals to levels of sufficiency. Achievement of an optimum vitamin D status among young adults may have future positive health implications.

Publication types

  • Randomized Controlled Trial

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Biomarkers / blood
  • Bone Density Conservation Agents / administration & dosage*
  • Bone Density Conservation Agents / blood
  • Bone and Bones / metabolism*
  • Calcium, Dietary / administration & dosage*
  • Calcium, Dietary / blood
  • Dietary Supplements
  • Double-Blind Method
  • Female
  • Health Status
  • Health Surveys
  • Humans
  • Ireland
  • Male
  • Nutritional Status
  • Parathyroid Hormone / blood
  • Seasons
  • Vitamin D / administration & dosage*
  • Vitamin D / blood*
  • Vitamin D Deficiency / prevention & control

Substances

  • Biomarkers
  • Bone Density Conservation Agents
  • Calcium, Dietary
  • Parathyroid Hormone
  • Vitamin D