Active clinical trials for "Vitamin D Deficiency"

Despite the extensive literature on adverse clinical outcomes associated with vitamin D deficiency, there are currently no proven treatment strategy that effectively achieves and maintains optimal serum vitamin D status in cystic fibrosis (CF) patients. For the treatment of vitamin D deficiency, CF Foundation currently recommends 2,000 IU daily. However, because achieving adequate serum 25(OH)D levels is a challenge in CF, higher doses of vitamin D may be necessary to reach and maintain vitamin D sufficiency. Poor oral bioavailability of ergocalciferol has been demonstrated in CF patients, which may potentially also be an issue with cholecalciferol. In order to optimize the treatment of vitamin D deficiency in CF, the kinetic disposition must be well understood. However, there are very few data currently available describing the kinetics of both vitamin D and 25-hydroxyvitamin D, and to the investigator's knowledge, no studies have yet characterized the pharmacokinetic disposition of vitamin D and its metabolites in cystic fibrosis. Addressing this issue is crucial in effectively and safely correcting vitamin D deficiency in CF.

Vitamin D repletion is important for bone health in patients with Crohn's disease. While repletion strategies in the general population yield similar results in those with Crohn's disease, maintenance strategies are variable. High quality evidence is lacking to determine the optimal strategy to maintain adequate levels of Vitamin D levels in patients with Crohn's disease.

Atopic dermatitis is a chronic skin disease characterized by a defective skin barrier, inflammation, and increased propensity for skin infections. Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin that is primarily acquired through local production in the skin after ultraviolet light exposure but can also be obtained through natural and supplemental dietary sources. This randomized controlled trial will examine the effects of vitamin D repletion on atopic dermatitis severity in patients with diagnosed deficiency. The investigators hypothesize that pediatric patients with moderate or severe atopic dermatitis and vitamin D deficiency will have improved cutaneous disease after treatment with high dose as compared to standard dose vitamin D.

Crohn's disease is more common in areas of the world with less sunlight exposure. Sunlight is a major source of vitamin D. There is some research to suggest that patient's with higher vitamin D levels are less likely to undergo surgeries and have better control of their disease. We intend to study the effects of high dose vitamin D supplementation in patients with vitamin D deficiency and Crohn's disease. We hypothesize that patients given high doses will have less hospitalizations, surgeries, steroid use.

VISTA is looking to see if vitamin D supplements before bariatric surgery might improve vitamin D stores, which may help to prevent some complications like infections. Who can join this research study? Approved to undergo bariatric surgery-Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass or Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy-at the Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center 18 to 64 years of age BMI of 35 to 49.9 kg/m2 VitD insufficient or deficient prior to having surgery What will happen if a participant chooses to participate in this research study? The participant will be randomly assigned (by chance) to receive either: Standard care plus vitamin D supplements or Standard care plus a placebo (contains no vitamin D) Either would be provided at no cost to the participant The investigators will ask the participant to complete a survey on the day of surgery regarding supplement use The investigators will follow the participants medical record through the 12 month follow up clinic visit.

The main aim of the investigation is to clarify, whether vitamin D supplementation in coronary artery disease patients with vitamin D deficiency and postchallenge hyperglycemia has an impact on endothelial dysfunction and parameters of insulin sensitivity and beta-cell function.

Background: Ageing is associated with an increased risk of cognitive decline and depression. Vitamin D plays an important role in many of the symptoms and conditions related to advanced age, including impaired balance, falls and osteoporosis. Vitamin D also has a physiological effect on the function of the central nervous system, and studies have suggested a relationship between this vitamin and changes in affect and cognitive function in the elderly. The investigators propose a pilot study to examine the relationship between below-normal levels of Vitamin D to affective symptoms and specific cognitive functions in the elderly. Methods: A total of 30 subjects of both genders older than 65 years with levels of 25-OH Vitamin D lower than 30 ng/ml on routine laboratory screening will be referred by the treating family physicianfor screening. Subjects will be required to provide written informed consent for inclusion in the study. Exclusion criteria will include any active or unstable medical condition as determined by the treating physician, known neurocognitive disorder, known affective disorder, the use of any class of antidepressant drugs, the use of supplements containing vitamin D in any dose, significant visual or hearing impairment not corrected by spectacles or hearing aids, and a level of literacy that limits cognitive ability. All subjects will undergo cognitive screening by use of the MoCA test, computerized cognitive assessment using the the Neurotrax (®Mindstreams) computerised cognitive assessment battery, and the 15-item Geriatric Depression Scale. All subjects will undergo repeat testing for level of 25-OH Vitamin D, and where below-normal levels are confirmed patients will receive a supplemental monthly oral dose of 60000 units Vitamin D administered by a nurse for a period of 3 months. At 3 months subjects will undergo repeat testing for level of 25-OH Vitamin D, and repeat computerized cognitive assessment using the Neurotrax Mindstreams battery and the 15-item Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS).

The prevalence of vitamin D deficiency increases as kidney function declines. As a result, many hemodialysis patients often have low levels of vitamin D. Recent evidence has shown that vitamin D supplementation may improve many aspects of poor health such as heart disease and inflammatory markers. The objectives of this study are to determine how supplementing dialysis patients with ergocalciferol increases vitamin D levels, how long vitamin D levels can be maintained after a 6 month treatment course, and to examine the effect of ergocalciferol on biomarkers of inflammation and vascular health.

The study will examine if overall functionality of older adults with Vitamin D insufficiency can be improved by optimal Vitamin D replacement over a period of approximately one year. A variety of outcome metrics will be examined including mental and physical parameters

One in four infants are born with low amounts of vitamin D stored in their body. This study is designed to test whether improving vitamin D status quickly after birth helps infants to build muscle and to normalize growth. This is important since the investigators have noticed in previous work that infants with low vitamin D have higher body weight relative to body length later on and that those who develop very good stores quickly have a leaner body type. Therefore, in this study infants with low stores early after birth will be given either the regular amount of supplementation or a higher amount to more rapidly build up the vitamin stores in the body. Infants in both groups will be measured for muscle and fat mass at standardized ages during the first year of life and into the toddler years. The information will inform health care professionals and parents of the importance of establishing good vitamin D stores early in life. Vitamin D supplementation is a modifiable factor that is already recommended for all term born infants. Knowing how much is needed in infants born with low stores has not been tested in a controlled manner in Canada.