ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Low serum concentrations of 25-hydroxyvitamin D correlate with higher susceptibility to acute respiratory tract infections (ARTIs). The case study presented here aims at sheding light on the correlation between vitamin D levels, the vitamin D supplement dose, and the incidence of ARTIs. CASE REPORT: A 23-year-old female patient with a vitamin D insufficiency was able to successfully increase her vitamin D levels from 45.60 nmol/l to 85.91 nmol/l (reference ranges 75-200 nmol/l) through the use of supplements. However, it was surprising to observe a decrease in vitamin D levels even though the patient continued taking supplements. Further examination indicated that the patient was experiencing common symptoms of an acute respiratory tract infection (ARTI). This case highlights the intricate connection between ARTIs and vitamin D intake. CONCLUSION: This case study clearly demonstrates the intricate connection between vitamin D levels, supplement treatment, and ARTIs. The observed decrease in vitamin D levels during the course of supplementation, while the patient was suffering from an ARTI, suggests that respiratory infections may affect vitamin D metabolism.
Subject(s)
Respiratory Tract Infections , Vitamin D Deficiency , Humans , Female , Young Adult , Adult , Vitamin D , Vitamins/therapeutic use , Vitamin D Deficiency/complications , Vitamin D Deficiency/drug therapy , Dietary Supplements , Respiratory Tract Infections/diagnosis , Respiratory Tract Infections/drug therapy , Respiratory Tract Infections/etiologyABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Scientific studies point to a significant global vitamin D deficiency. The recommended dose of vitamin D for the adult population in Central Europe is 800-2000 IU/day. The aim of our study was to determine whether doses of 1000 IU or 2000 IU of vitamin D3 are adequate to achieve the sufficiency reference values of [25(OH)D]. METHODS: Seventy-two healthy volunteers, average age twenty-two, took part in the study. The study was conducted from October to March in order to eliminate intra-dermal vitamin D production. Vitamin D3 in an oleaginous mixture was used. The participants used either 1000 IU or 2000 IU/daily for two 60-day periods with a 30-day break. RESULTS: The dose of 1000 IU, taken for 60 days, increased vitamin D levels relatively little. Furthermore, serum vitamin D levels decreased in the 30 days following the cessation of supplementation. Taking 2000 IU daily led to a sharp increase in serum levels which plateaued 30 days after the subjects stopped using vitamin D3 drops. CONCLUSIONS: Both doses, taken daily, can help maintain adequate vitamin D levels during the winter months. A daily dose of 2000 IU, however, maintained the desired levels of vitamin D for a longer period.