Vitamin D supplementation in the ICU patient. Issue 2 (March 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Christopher, Kenneth B.
• Is Part Of: Current opinion in clinical nutrition and metabolic care. Volume 18:Issue 2(2015:Mar.)
• Publication Date: 2015-03
• Subjects: Diet therapy -- Periodicals; Metabolism -- Periodicals; Nutrition -- Periodicals; Nutrition disorders -- Periodicals; Clinical medicine -- Periodicals; Clinical Medicine -- Periodicals; Metabolism -- Periodicals; Nutrition -- Periodicals; Nutrition Disorders -- Periodicals; Nutritional Support -- Periodicals; 613.2
• DOI: 10.1097/MCO.0000000000000147
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1363-1950

Abstract

<abstract> <title> <x xml:space="preserve">Abstract</x> </title> <sec> <title>Purpose of review</title> <p>Recent findings suggest that vitamin D is a marker for outcomes in critical illness. The purpose of this review is to summarize current biological, observational and interventional evidence in the critically ill.</p> </sec> <sec> <title>Recent findings</title> <p>Both biological and observational studies support the role of vitamin D deficiency in adverse critical illness outcomes. Interventional trials of critically ill patients show that to improve vitamin D status, high-dose vitamin D3 is required. Critically ill patients have a relatively blunted response to vitamin D supplementation compared to the general outpatient population. Toxicity from high-dose vitamin D in trials in the critically ill has been limited to mild hypercalcemia. Recent evidence suggests that treatment of severely vitamin D-deficient critically ill patients with high-dose vitamin D early in the ICU course may improve mortality.</p> </sec> <sec> <title>Summary</title> <p>Vitamin D deficiency is a potentially modifiable marker for adverse outcomes in critical illness and critical illness survivors. Vitamin D supplementation is inexpensive and appears safe in critical illness trials. A well powered interventional trial is required to determine the definitive answer regarding the role of vitamin D supplementation in the improvement of critical care outcomes. Until such data are available, a cautious approach to correction of vitamin D status in the ICU is warranted.</p> </sec> </abstract>