Taking vitamin D with the largest meal improves absorption and results in higher serum levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D

Abstract

Many patients treated for vitamin D deficiency fail to achieve an adequate serum level of 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] despite high doses of ergo-or cholecalciferol. The objective of this study was to determine whether administration of vitamin D supplement with the largest meal of the day would improve absorption and increase serum levels of 25(OH)D. This was a prospective cohort study in an ambulatory tertiary-care referral center. Patients seen at the Cleveland Clinic Foundation Bone Clinic for the treatment of vitamin D deficiency who were not responding to treatment make up the stugy group. Subjects were instructed to take their usual vitamin D supplement with the largest meal of the day. The main outcome measure was the serum 259(OH)D level after 2 to 3 months. Seventeen patients were analyzed. The mean age (AESD) and sex (F/M) ratio were 64.5 AE 11.0 years and 13 females and 4 males, respectively. The dose of 25(OH)D ranged from 1000 to 50,000 IU daily. The mean baseline serum 25(OH)D level (AESD) was 30.5 AE 4.7 ng/mL (range 21.6 to 38.8 ng/mL). The mean serum 25(OH)D level after diet modification (AESD) was 47.2 AE 10.9 ng/mL (range 34.7 to 74.0 ng/mL, p < .01). Overall, the average serum 25(OH)D level increased by 56.7% AE 36.7%. A subgroup analysis based on the weekly dose of vitamin D was performed, and a similar trend was observed.Thus it is concluded that taking vitamin D with the largest meal improves absorption and results in about a 50% increase in serum levels of 25(OH)D levels achieved. Similar increases were observed in a wide range of vitamin D doses taken for a variety of medical conditions. ß

Vitamin D supplementation review and recommendations for women diagnosed with breast or ovary cancer in the context of bone health and cancer prognosis/risk

“…• Administration: oral administration of vitamin D provides a faster and better controlled delivery compared with intramuscular preparations, since IM route leads to a sequestration in the muscle and fat with gradual release in the vascular system [65]. Vitamin D is fat soluble and because of this it is also advised to ingest it after the main meal of the day in order to improve intestine absorption [66]. • Periodicity: supplementation dosages can be given in different time intervals to achieve a desired equivalent "daily dose".…”

Vitamin D Supplementation in Female Nurses: The Effects on Serum 25-Hydroxyvitamin D, and Non-Specific Musculoskeletal Pain

“…He found that taking vitamin D supplements with largest meal showed 50% improvement in vitamin D absorption. 19 This strategy is respected in our study. Some other factors might also be related to the effectiveness of vitamin D supplement therapy.…”

Nutrition and Hydration

“…It is recommended to expose the hands, arms and face to sunlight for approximately 5-25 min per day, but this is limited during hospitalisation and by other social factors, so supplementation should be prescribed. The recommendation for an adequate supplementation of vitamin D intake for older people is 800-1000 IU per day [8] and it should be taken with main meals [9].…”