Efficacy of high dose vitamin D supplementation in improving serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D among laboratory personnel working at the Nepal National Center for Rheumatic Diseases.

Vitamin D deficiency is a highly prevalent condition worldwide. However, few studies have been conducted to examine the vitamin D status of laboratory personnel and the correlation between vitamin D deficiency and working conditions. The aim of the present study was to assess changes in serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] concentration with a weekly dose of oral cholecalciferol (60,000 IU) for two months. The prospective, open-label, interventional study was conducted from January 2016 to March 2016 at the National Centre for Rheumatic Diseases, Kathmandu, Nepal. The serum level of 25(OH)D in 19 healthy laboratory volunteers was measured at baseline and following the 2-month regimen with cholecalciferol supplement at 60,000 IU (1,500 µg)/week in oral tablet form. At baseline the mean serum 25(OH)D level was 10.31±7.78 ng/ml, which was increased following completion of the course of oral cholecalciferol to 59.78±14.74 ng/ml. This difference in the mean serum level of 25(OH)D compared with baseline was significant to P<0.001. These results indicate that vitamin D deficiency is prevalent among laboratory workers, and that high dose vitamin D3 (60,000 IU cholecalciferol) in tablet form may be effective in achieving sufficient serum 25(OH)D among laboratory personnel who tend to have lower baseline serum 25(OH)D. In conclusion, vitamin D deficiency may be common among laboratory workers, and guidelines should be formulated to implement vitamin D supplementation among laboratory personnel, as well as indoor workers, in Nepal.