Yet, the majority of these regimens failed to rise the serum 25(OH)D concentration above the desired level of 75 nmol/L. In general, it appears that a total dose of oral cholecalciferol in the range of 300,000 IU to 720,000 IU given in divided doses either weekly, monthly, quarterly or semi‐annually was effective in raising serum 25(OH)D levels to above 50 nmol/L. Studies evaluating the efficacy of high vitamin D doses in VDD adolescent populations are limited. This is particularly important when prescribing VDD treatment during adolescence and young adulthood, the life period where maximal bone accretion is observed, without also neglecting the potential non‐musculoskeletal benefits of vitamin D. In addition, evidence shows that although low daily doses help to improve vitamin D status in the long run, they are not the optimal therapeutic modality in case of severe VDD because they require months before normal serum 25‐hydroxyvitamin D levels can be restored. It appears that the current recommended daily dosage schemes are rather modest as they fail to achieve complete vitamin D replacement. Vitamin supplements are not fully covered by health insurance in certain countries (the case of Switzerland), so deciding on the most affordable therapeutic measure, such as the “fewer‐dose approach,” seems preferable. Besides, medical costs should be taken into account when prescribing medication. So considering loading doses is also an effective alternative for this age group. For example, adherence to treatment is a major problem in adolescents,

It seems reasonable to provide more realistic therapeutic options in certain clinical situations. Heterogeneity concerns vitamin D formulation (cholecalciferol D3 or ergocalciferol D2), dosage (low or high), dosing interval (daily, weekly, monthly or single dosing) and administration route (oral or intramuscular).Īlthough daily oral dosing is recommended as the first line of management, especially in the United States,

However, recommendations about the treatment of VDD are not homogenous. Vitamin D deficiency (VDD) among adolescents is well documented worldwideĪnd is considered the most common nutritional deficiency.

Download cholecalciferol dose