Cholecalciferol vitamin d3
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The Role of Cholecalciferol (Vitamin D3) in Health and Disease
Cholecalciferol and Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
Cholecalciferol, commonly known as vitamin D3, has been studied for its potential benefits in various health conditions, including multiple sclerosis (MS). The SOLAR study investigated the effects of high-dose cholecalciferol as an add-on therapy to interferon β-1a in patients with relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS). Although the primary endpoint of disease activity-free status was not met, cholecalciferol supplementation was associated with a significant reduction in the number of new combined unique active lesions, particularly in younger patients aged 18-30 years1. This suggests that vitamin D3 may have a role in reducing inflammatory activity in the early stages of MS.
Cholecalciferol and Bone Health
Vitamin D3 is well-known for its role in bone health. A study involving men and women aged 65 and over demonstrated that four-monthly supplementation with 100,000 IU of vitamin D3 significantly reduced the incidence of fractures, including those at major osteoporotic sites such as the hip, wrist, and vertebrae2. This highlights the importance of vitamin D3 in maintaining bone integrity and preventing fractures in the elderly population.
Cholecalciferol in Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)
In patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD), vitamin D3 supplementation has shown promise in correcting vitamin D insufficiency and reducing parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels. A randomized controlled pilot study found that weekly supplementation with 50,000 IU of cholecalciferol significantly increased serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels and showed a trend towards lower PTH levels3. This indicates that vitamin D3 can be an effective treatment for managing secondary hyperparathyroidism in CKD patients.
Cholecalciferol and Obesity
Obesity is often associated with low vitamin D status. A study on infertile men with varying body mass indices (BMI) revealed that high-dose vitamin D3 supplementation was effective in achieving adequate serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels across all BMI categories4. This suggests that even individuals with obesity can benefit from high-dose vitamin D3 supplementation to correct vitamin D deficiency.
Cholecalciferol and Secondary Hyperparathyroidism
In hemodialysis patients with secondary hyperparathyroidism, combining cholecalciferol with paricalcitol was found to significantly reduce PTH levels and increase serum cathelicidin levels, an antimicrobial peptide5. This combination therapy could offer a more effective approach to managing secondary hyperparathyroidism while also enhancing immune function.
Cholecalciferol and Calcium Transport
Cholecalciferol plays a crucial role in promoting intestinal calcium transport. A study identified a major polar metabolite of cholecalciferol that is significantly more effective than cholecalciferol itself in stimulating calcium transport in the intestines6. This finding underscores the importance of vitamin D3 in calcium absorption and bone health.
Cholecalciferol and Beef Quality
Supplementing heifer diets with cholecalciferol has been shown to increase beef vitamin D activity and improve beef tenderness. Higher doses of vitamin D3 resulted in a significant increase in serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D concentrations and enhanced beef quality7. This suggests potential benefits of vitamin D3 supplementation in livestock for improving meat quality.
Cholecalciferol and Antimicrobial Peptide Expression
Vitamin D3 has immunomodulatory effects, including the regulation of antimicrobial peptide expression. In bovine mammary epithelial cells, cholecalciferol reduced the internalization of Staphylococcus aureus and differentially regulated the expression of various antimicrobial peptides8. This indicates that vitamin D3 could enhance innate immunity and provide better defense against bacterial infections.
Cholecalciferol Stability and Analysis
The stability of cholecalciferol is crucial for its efficacy in food fortification programs. Studies have shown that cholecalciferol can isomerize under various conditions, affecting its stability and making its analysis challenging. Advanced techniques like HPLC-DAD and UHPLC-MS/MS have been used to study the isomerization and improve the detection of vitamin D3 and its isomers9.
Cholecalciferol and Pain Management
Vitamin D3 has been found to modulate opioid signaling and reduce neuropathic pain in rat models. Supplementation with cholecalciferol improved nociceptive thresholds and reduced hyperalgesia and allodynia, suggesting potential benefits in pain management10. This highlights the therapeutic potential of vitamin D3 in alleviating chronic pain conditions.
Conclusion
Cholecalciferol (vitamin D3) plays a multifaceted role in health, from bone health and immune function to pain management and livestock quality. Its supplementation has shown benefits in various conditions, including multiple sclerosis, chronic kidney disease, obesity, and secondary hyperparathyroidism. Advanced analytical techniques are essential for ensuring the stability and efficacy of vitamin D3 in supplementation programs. Further research is warranted to explore the full therapeutic potential of cholecalciferol in different health contexts.
Sources and full results
Most relevant research papers on this topic
High dose cholecalciferol (vitamin D3) oil as add-on therapy in subjects with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) receiving subcutaneous interferon β-1a (scIFNβ-1a) (S44.005)
Cholecalciferol supplementation may reduce the number of new CUA lesions in patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis, particularly in early stages of disease.
RCT
Rigorous JournalEffect of four monthly oral vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) supplementation on fractures and mortality in men and women living in the community: randomised double blind controlled trial
Four monthly oral vitamin D3 supplementation reduces fracture incidence by 22% and fractures in major osteoporotic sites by 33% in men and women aged over 65 living in the general community.
RCT
Large Human TrialRigorous Journal
Highly CitedCholecalciferol (vitamin D3) therapy and vitamin D insufficiency in patients with chronic kidney disease: a randomized controlled pilot study.
Weekly cholecalciferol supplementation effectively raises vitamin D levels and reduces parathyroid hormone levels in patients with chronic kidney disease.
RCTHighly CitedHigh-dose cholecalciferol supplementation to obese infertile men is sufficient to reach adequate vitamin D status
High-dose vitamin D3 supplementation is sufficient for obese infertile men with low vitamin D status to achieve adequate serum 25OHD levels.
RCTLarge Human TrialCholecalciferol Additively Reduces Serum Parathyroid Hormone and Increases Vitamin D and Cathelicidin Levels in Paricalcitol-Treated Secondary Hyperparathyroid Hemodialysis Patients
Cholecalciferol combined with paricalcitol effectively lowers serum parathyroid hormone levels and increases vitamin D and cathelicidin levels in hemodialysis patients with secondary hyperparathyroidism.
RCT
Very Rigorous JournalVitamin D: A Cholecalciferol Metabolite Highly Active in Promoting Intestinal Calcium Transport
A polar metabolite of cholecalciferol (vitamin D3) from chick intestines is over four times as effective as cholecalciferol in stimulating intestinal calcium transport, potentially being the biologically active form in the intestine.
Highly CitedCholecalciferol supplementation of heifer diets increases beef vitamin D concentration and improves beef tenderness.
Short-term vitamin D3 supplementation in cattle diets effectively increases beef vitamin D activity and improves tenderness without affecting sensory parameters.
RCT
Animal StudyCholecalciferol (vitamin D) differentially regulates antimicrobial peptide expression in bovine mammary epithelial cells: implications during Staphylococcus aureus internalization.
Cholecalciferol reduces Staphylococcus aureus internalization and differentially regulates antimicrobial peptide expression in bovine mammary epithelial cells, potentially improving defense against bacterial infection.
In Vitro StudyDegradation studies of cholecalciferol (vitamin D3) using HPLC-DAD, UHPLC-MS/MS and chemical derivatization.
Vitamin D3 isomerization can be improved by derivatization, enabling sensitive detection in food fortification programs.
Cholecalciferol (Vitamin D3) Reduces Rat Neuropathic Pain by Modulating Opioid Signaling
Cholecalciferol supplementation reduces chronic pain symptoms in rats by modulating opioid signaling, suggesting potential therapeutic benefits for chronic pain patients.
Non-RCTAnimal StudyRigorous Journal