High-dose vitamin D supplementation in children with cerebral palsy or neuromuscular disorder

Adequate vitamin D levels are essential for normal skeletal development and mineralization. This is particularly important in children with cerebral palsy or other neuromuscular disorders who are at an increased risk of osteoporosis. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of high-dose vitamin D3 supplementation on vitamin D status in 44 disabled children. Vitamin D was administered during school days (1000 IU vitamin D3 per orally five days per week for 10 weeks) to half of the children (N=21) while the others (N = 23) continued without supplementation. At baseline the median serum 25-hydroxy-vitamin D was 44 nmol/L (range 26-82 nmol/L). The concentration increased significantly during the 10 weeks intervention in the supplemented group (median 56nmol/L, range 39-88nmol/L; p=0.012 for the difference from baseline) and decreased in the control group (median 37nmol/L, range 24-74nmol/L; p=0.038). No significant changes in any of the other measured parameters were observed. Hypovitaminosis D is prevalent in disabled children. Supplementation with 1000 lU vitamin D3 perorally five days per week results in a significant increase in vitamin D level and is not associated with hypercalcemia or other adverse effects.