in 2014, which estimated that 88.1% of the world’s population would have levels of 25(OH)D (25-hydroxy-vitamin D, also called calcidiol or calcifediol, a metabolite determined in plasma as a biomarker of vitamin D status) below 30 nanograms/milliliter (ng/mL) (minimum level of 25-hydroxy-vitamin D considered optimal with a certain degree of consensus). From the enormous amount of scientific literature that supports the above, we would highlight the extensive review of epidemiological studies on vitamin D status conducted in Europe, South America, North America, Asia and Oceania published by Hilger J et al. Introduction: Vitamin D Deficiency Globally and in Our Care EnvironmentĪt present, vitamin D deficiency, in some cases even severe, is significantly prevalent worldwide. In summary, the form of vitamin D of choice for exogenous supplementation should be cholecalciferol, with calcifediol reserved for patients with liver failure or severe intestinal malabsorption syndromes.ġ. Regardless of the pattern of administration, cholecalciferol may be more likely to achieve serum levels of 25(OH)D (25-hydroxy-vitamin D) of 30–50 ng/mL, an interval considered optimal for maximum benefit at the lowest risk. Cholecalciferol, unlike calcifediol, guarantees an exact dosage in IU (International Units) of vitamin D and has pharmacokinetic properties that allow either daily or even weekly, fortnightly, or monthly administration in its equivalent doses, which can facilitate adherence to treatment.

In our comparative review of the two exogenous vitamin D supplementation options most used in our care setting, we found that cholecalciferol has more scientific evidence with positive results than calcifediol in musculoskeletal diseases and that it is the form of vitamin D of choice in the most accepted and internationally recognized clinical guidelines on the management of osteoporosis. Vitamin D deficiency is a global health problem due to its high prevalence and its negative consequences on musculoskeletal and extra-skeletal health.

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