Daily versus single dose vitamin D therapy in children and adolescents, how good is the evidence? Evidence based medicine viewpoint, nutritionist's viewpoint, pediatrician's viewpoint.

In this randomized controlled trial (RCT), 43 participants having 25(OH) D level less than 78 nmol/L received daily or stoss vitamin D therapy with follow-up at 4–6 months and 9–12 months. Of these, 34 (79%) had insufficient (50–78 nmol/L) levels, 8 (19%) had mildly deficient (27.5–50 nmol/L) levels and 1 (2%) had deficient (<27.5 nmol/L) vitamin D level. Daily vitamin D therapy had a higher average increase in 25(OH) D levels from baseline than stoss therapy; however, this was not significant. The authors concluded that vitamin D insufficiency is common in Aboriginal children of Western Australia and stoss therapy is a safe alternative to daily vitamin D therapy, but requires further evaluation of timing and doses.