Current approaches to the management of vitamin D deficiency and insufficiency in adults

Abstract

The issue of optimal management of vitamin D deficiency and insufficiency is very topical. The role of vitamin D in the regulation of not only phosphorus-calcium metabolism, but also the relationship between its deficiency status and the risk of developing various diseases, including autoimmune, metabolic, oncological, cardiovascular, etc., has been well studied. Studies have shown that vitamin D deficiency and insufficiency are detected in 84.3% of examined population aged 18 to 50 years in Russia as a whole. According to the results of studies, the level of consumption of vitamin D foods in our country does not ensure adequate vitamin D intake, and the only effective method for managing its deficiency and maintaining 25(OH)D concentrations at the proper level may be supplemental vitamin D intake in the form of drugs or food additives. Given the importance of maintaining adequate vitamin D levels and high prevalence rates of vitamin D deficiency and insufficiency in people of different ages and genders in various geographical regions of our country, there is a growing interest in options for timely and adequate therapy. Domestic experts have developed various therapeutic options for the management of vitamin D deficiency and insufficiency. A single dose of 300,000 IU of oral cholecalciferol once weekly, which proved to be effective and safe for managing vitamin D deficiency in adults is the best option from the perspective of medication adherence and patient convenience. Presently, the first high-dose drug, a matrix tablet containing 50,000 IU colecalciferol, has been granted a marketing authorization in Russia. The drug is indicated for the treatment of vitamin D deficiency and insufficiency.