Vitamin D status among long-term survivors of hematopoietic cell transplantation

Bone Marrow Transplant. 2011 Nov;46(11):1472-9. doi: 10.1038/bmt.2010.326. Epub 2011 Jan 17.

Abstract

Little is known about serum vitamin D levels following hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT). Patients are instructed to avoid sun exposure because of an increased risk of skin cancers. Altered gastrointestinal absorptive capacity as a result of GVHD, bile acid or pancreatic enzyme insufficiency or bacterial overgrowth may lead to difficulty in absorbing the fat-soluble vitamin D. This study was undertaken to determine the prevalence of serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) deficiency, and factors associated with 25(OH)D deficiency, among children and adults who were at least 1 year following HCT. A total of 95 participants (54 males and 41 females) completed a questionnaire on usual diet and lifestyle, and provided a blood sample for 25(OH)D determinations between November 2008 and July 2009. The majority of participants had serum 25(OH)D levels ≥75 nmol/L (n=62, 65%), 23 had insufficient levels (50-75 nmol/L) and 10 participants were deficient (<50 nmol/L). The majority of participants reported regular use of vitamin D supplements (n=58, 61%). Prednisone use was significantly inversely associated with serum 25(OH)D concentrations. Total vitamin D intake was the strongest single predictor of 25(OH)D concentrations. These findings suggest that 400-600 IU vitamin D per day appears to be required to achieve optimal serum 25(OH)D concentrations following HCT.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Body Mass Index
  • Bone Marrow Transplantation / adverse effects*
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Dietary Supplements
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Pilot Projects
  • Prednisone / adverse effects
  • Sunlight
  • Survivors
  • Vitamin D / administration & dosage
  • Vitamin D / analogs & derivatives*
  • Vitamin D / blood
  • Vitamin D Deficiency / blood
  • Vitamin D Deficiency / etiology*

Substances

  • Vitamin D
  • 25-hydroxyvitamin D
  • Prednisone