Effects of vitamin D3 supplementation on the recovery of hospitalized burn patients: a randomized double-blind controlled trial

Abstract

Background Burn patients, due to their damaged skin, may not be able to synthesize vitamin D. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the effects of vitamin D supplementation on the recovery of hospitalized burn patients. Methods Fifty-four patients participated in a randomized controlled trial. Eighteen patients were randomly assigned to group C (control, received gelatin soft gel as placebo), 18 patients to group D1 (received 1000 IU/day vitamin D), and 18 patients to group D2 (received 3000 IU/day vitamin D). After supplementation, wound biopsy and blood samples were obtained from the patients. Weight, height, 25(OH)D level, wound healing, scar formation, quality of pain, and blood parameters were evaluated. Results There were no significant differences in the serum vitamin D levels between the groups at admission, and 81.5% of the participants were deficient. The Bates–Jensen Wound Assessment Tool demonstrated significant differences in wound healing between the C group and the D1 and D2 groups, and the supplemented groups experienced greater improvement. The D2 group showed significant differences in thickness and total score on the Vancouver scar scale up to three months after discharge (P = 0.03). Moreover, there was a notable decrease in insulin requirements and the number of injected insulin units in the supplemented groups compared with those in group C (P = 0.006 and P = 0.01, respectively). In addition, shorter hospitalization was observed in group D2 (P = 0.04). Conclusion Supplementation with vitamin D at doses of 1000 and 3000 IU/day improved wound healing and decreased scar thickness as well as exogenous insulin requirements. Overall, at 3000 IU/day, better results were achieved than at 1000 IU/day.