Optimisation of Vitamin D in Care Homes
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Optimisation of Vitamin D Deficiency in Older People Living in Care Homes
IRAS ID
209427
Contact name
Hannah Enguell
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust
Eudract number
2016-003995-38
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 6 months, 10 days
Research summary
Low Vitamin D is common in the general population, with very high rates amongst elderly care home residents. Vitamin D deficiency leads to bone pain and thinning of specific muscle fibres, which in turn leads to poor muscle function, reduced mobility performing day to day activities (such as washing and dressing), and increased risk of falls and falls related injuries.
The current NICE guidance (2014) recommends the Department of Health should increase access to vitamin D supplements for those at risk including those aged 65 years and over and anyone confined indoors for long periods, such as elderly care home residents.The optimal treatment of vitamin D deficiency can be safely achieved using a tailored vitamin D loading dose, calculated using bodyweight and baseline blood vitamin D levels, followed by a regular maintenance treatment to maintain these levels. This loading dose is administered as a tablet in divided doses over a 6-8 week period (maximum 400,000 IU of vitamin D).
However, the practicalities of such a tailored regime in a care home setting, where many of the residents are frail and have cognitive impairment, may be difficult. Whether a more generic loading and maintenance regime (one which does not require the residents to be weighed and have a blood test taken) may be more practical and easier to administer requires further evaluation.
The aim of this study is to evaluate this further.REC name
East of England - Essex Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
17/EE/0098
Date of REC Opinion
18 May 2017
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion