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Maggini V, Crescioli G, Ippoliti I, Gallo E, Menniti-Ippolito F, Chiaravalloti A, Mascherini V, Da Cas R, Potenza S, Gritti G, Galiulo MT, Sottosanti L, Vannacci A, Lombardi N, Firenzuoli F. Safety Profile of Vitamin D in Italy: An Analysis of Spontaneous Reports of Adverse Reactions Related to Drugs and Food Supplements. J Clin Med 2023; 12:4726. [PMID: 37510843 PMCID: PMC10381134 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12144726] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2023] [Revised: 07/12/2023] [Accepted: 07/13/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Vitamin D (VitD) is largely used in Italy, often inappropriately; thus, an evaluation of its safety is a crucial issue. This study analyses the adverse reactions (ARs) associated with the use of products containing VitD (VitDps) reported to the Italian National Pharmacovigilance and Phytovigilance networks. From March 2002 to August 2022, a total of 643 and 127 reports concerning 903 and 215 ARs were retrieved from Pharmacovigilance and Phytovigilance networks, respectively. Overall, 332 (29.6%) ARs were classified as serious, and the most described ones were hypercalcaemia, renal failure and tachycardia. Serious AR risk was significantly higher for subjects using more than four concomitant products (OR 2.44 [95% CI 1.30-4.60]) and VitD doses higher than 1000 IU/day (OR 2.70 [95% CI 1.30-5.64]). In Italy, there was a modest decrease in AR reporting, despite the slightly increased use of VitD during the COVID-19 pandemic. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study describing all VitDps-related ARs observed in the Italian general population. Since underreporting is the main limitation of the safety reporting systems, the necessity to continue ARs monitoring, also using real-world data on VitDps prescription, use and outcome patterns is highlighted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Maggini
- Research and Innovation Center in Phytotherapy and Integrated Medicine-CERFIT, Referring Center for Phytotherapy of Tuscany Region, Careggi University Hospital, 50141 Florence, Italy
| | - Giada Crescioli
- Department of Neurosciences, Psychology, Drug Research and Child Health, Section of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Florence, 50141 Florence, Italy
| | - Ilaria Ippoliti
- National Centre for Drug Research and Evaluation, National Institute of Health, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Eugenia Gallo
- Research and Innovation Center in Phytotherapy and Integrated Medicine-CERFIT, Referring Center for Phytotherapy of Tuscany Region, Careggi University Hospital, 50141 Florence, Italy
| | | | - Adelaide Chiaravalloti
- Research and Innovation Center in Phytotherapy and Integrated Medicine-CERFIT, Referring Center for Phytotherapy of Tuscany Region, Careggi University Hospital, 50141 Florence, Italy
- General and Clinical Phytotherapy, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, 50141 Florence, Italy
| | - Vittorio Mascherini
- Research and Innovation Center in Phytotherapy and Integrated Medicine-CERFIT, Referring Center for Phytotherapy of Tuscany Region, Careggi University Hospital, 50141 Florence, Italy
| | - Roberto Da Cas
- National Centre for Drug Research and Evaluation, National Institute of Health, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | | | | | | | | | - Alfredo Vannacci
- Department of Neurosciences, Psychology, Drug Research and Child Health, Section of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Florence, 50141 Florence, Italy
| | - Niccolò Lombardi
- Department of Neurosciences, Psychology, Drug Research and Child Health, Section of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Florence, 50141 Florence, Italy
| | - Fabio Firenzuoli
- Research and Innovation Center in Phytotherapy and Integrated Medicine-CERFIT, Referring Center for Phytotherapy of Tuscany Region, Careggi University Hospital, 50141 Florence, Italy
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Wimalawansa SJ. Physiological Basis for Using Vitamin D to Improve Health. Biomedicines 2023; 11:1542. [PMID: 37371637 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11061542] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2023] [Revised: 05/11/2023] [Accepted: 05/11/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Vitamin D is essential for life-its sufficiency improves metabolism, hormonal release, immune functions, and maintaining health. Vitamin D deficiency increases the vulnerability and severity of type 2 diabetes, metabolic syndrome, cancer, obesity, and infections. The active enzyme that generates vitamin D [calcitriol: 1,25(OH)2D], CYP27B1 (1α-hydoxylase), and its receptors (VDRs) are distributed ubiquitously in cells. Once calcitriol binds with VDRs, the complexes are translocated to the nucleus and interact with responsive elements, up- or down-regulating the expression of over 1200 genes and modulating metabolic and physiological functions. Administration of vitamin D3 or correct metabolites at proper doses and frequency for longer periods would achieve the intended benefits. While various tissues have different thresholds for 25(OH)D concentrations, levels above 50 ng/mL are necessary to mitigate conditions such as infections/sepsis, cancer, and reduce premature deaths. Cholecalciferol (D3) (not its metabolites) should be used to correct vitamin D deficiency and raise serum 25(OH)D to the target concentration. In contrast, calcifediol [25(OH)D] raises serum 25(OH)D concentrations rapidly and is the agent of choice in emergencies such as infections, for those who are in ICUs, and for insufficient hepatic 25-hydroxylase (CYP2R1) activity. In contrast, calcitriol is necessary to maintain serum-ionized calcium concentration in persons with advanced renal failure and hypoparathyroidism. Calcitriol is, however, ineffective in most other conditions, including infections, and as vitamin D replacement therapy. Considering the high costs and higher incidence of adverse effects due to narrow therapeutic margins (ED50), 1α-vitamin D analogs, such as 1α-(OH)D and 1,25(OH)2D, should not be used for other conditions. Calcifediol analogs cost 20 times more than D3-thus, they are not indicated as a routine vitamin D supplement for hypovitaminosis D, osteoporosis, or renal failure. Healthcare workers should resist accepting inappropriate promotions, such as calcifediol for chronic renal failure and calcitriol for osteoporosis or infections-there is no physiological rationale for doing so. Maintaining the population's vitamin D sufficiency (above 40 ng/mL) with vitamin D3 supplements and/or daily sun exposure is the most cost-effective way to reduce chronic diseases and sepsis, overcome viral epidemics and pandemics, and reduce healthcare costs. Furthermore, vitamin D sufficiency improves overall health (hence reducing absenteeism), reduces the severity of chronic diseases such as metabolic and cardiovascular diseases and cancer, decreases all-cause mortality, and minimizes infection-related complications such as sepsis and COVID-19-related hospitalizations and deaths. Properly using vitamin D is the most cost-effective way to reduce chronic illnesses and healthcare costs: thus, it should be a part of routine clinical care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sunil J Wimalawansa
- Medicine, Endocrinology & Nutrition, Cardio Metabolic Institute, (Former) Rutgers University, North Brunswick, NJ 08901, USA
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3
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Pellikaan K, Rosenberg AGW, Kattentidt-Mouravieva AA, Kersseboom R, Bos-Roubos AG, Veen-Roelofs JMC, van Wieringen N, Hoekstra FME, van den Berg SAA, van der Lely AJ, de Graaff LCG. Missed Diagnoses and Health Problems in Adults With Prader-Willi Syndrome: Recommendations for Screening and Treatment. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2020; 105:5900721. [PMID: 32877518 PMCID: PMC7553248 DOI: 10.1210/clinem/dgaa621] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2020] [Accepted: 08/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS) is a complex hypothalamic disorder, combining hyperphagia, hypotonia, intellectual disability, and pituitary hormone deficiencies. Annual mortality of patients with PWS is high (3%). In half of the patients, the cause of death is obesity related and/or of cardiopulmonary origin. Health problems leading to this increased mortality often remain undetected due to the complexity and rareness of the syndrome. OBJECTIVE To assess the prevalence of health problems in adults with PWS retrospectively. PATIENTS, DESIGN, AND SETTING We systematically screened 115 PWS adults for undiagnosed health problems. All patients visited the multidisciplinary outpatient clinic for rare endocrine syndromes at the Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, Netherlands. We collected the results of medical questionnaires, interviews, physical examinations, biochemical measurements, polygraphy, polysomnography, and radiology. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Presence or absence of endocrine and nonendocrine comorbidities in relation to living situation, body mass index, genotype, and demographic factors. RESULTS Seventy patients (61%) had undiagnosed health problems, while 1 in every 4 patients had multiple undiagnosed health problems simultaneously. All males and 93% of females had hypogonadism, 74% had scoliosis, 18% had hypertension, 19% had hypercholesterolemia, 17% had type 2 diabetes mellitus, and 17% had hypothyroidism. Unfavorable lifestyles were common: 22% exercised too little (according to PWS criteria) and 37% did not see a dietitian. CONCLUSIONS Systematic screening revealed many undiagnosed health problems in PWS adults. Based on patient characteristics, we provide an algorithm for diagnostics and treatment, with the aim to prevent early complications and reduce mortality in this vulnerable patient group.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karlijn Pellikaan
- Internal Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, GD Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Anna G W Rosenberg
- Internal Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, GD Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | | | | | - Anja G Bos-Roubos
- Vincent van Gogh, Center of Excellence for Neuropsychiatry, DN Venray, Netherlands
| | | | - Nina van Wieringen
- Department of Physical Therapy, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, GD Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Franciska M E Hoekstra
- Internal Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, GD Rotterdam, Netherlands
- Department of Internal Medicine, Reinier de Graaf Hospital, AD Delft, Netherlands
| | - Sjoerd A A van den Berg
- Department of Clinical Chemistry, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, GD Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Aart Jan van der Lely
- Internal Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, GD Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Laura C G de Graaff
- Internal Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, GD Rotterdam, Netherlands
- Academic Center for Growth Disorders, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, GD Rotterdam, Netherlands
- Dutch Center of Reference for Prader-Willi Syndrome, GD Rotterdam, Netherlands
- Correspondence and Reprint Requests: Laura de Graaff, MD, PhD, Dept. of Internal Medicine, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center, Dr. Molewaterplein 40, 3015 GD Rotterdam, Netherlands. E-mail:
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Malihi Z, Wu Z, Lawes C, Sluyter J, Waayer D, Toop L, Khaw KT, Camargo CA, Scragg R. Risk factors for reporting adverse events and for study withdrawal in a population-based trial of vitamin D supplementation. J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol 2020; 197:105546. [PMID: 31751782 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsbmb.2019.105546] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2019] [Revised: 10/28/2019] [Accepted: 11/17/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
With increasing numbers of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) investigating potential health events of vitamin D supplementation, a better understanding is required of the risk factors for adverse events and for study withdrawals. This analysis aimed to identify baseline risk factors of reporting an adverse event in a multi-year randomized double-blinded placebo-controlled trial of vitamin D supplementation. The secondary aim was to investigate if adverse events were associated with study withdrawals. We analyzed data from the Vitamin D Assessment (ViDA) study: 5110 adults, aged 50-84 years, living in Auckland, New Zealand. Monthly doses of 100,000 IU vitamin D3 or placebo were mailed to participants homes, with a questionnaire to collect data on adverse events and adherence to the study capsule (initially monthly, then 4-monthly). Median follow-up was 3.3 years. Data were analysed using multivariable log-binomial regression and Cox-regression. During the follow-up period, 818 people reported adverse events and 412 withdrew or stopped returning questionnaires. Vitamin D was not associated with reporting of adverse events. Of sociodemographic factors, ethnicity was associated with reporting adverse events: compared to European participants, Maori and Pacific Islander people were more likely to report an adverse event. Non-smokers were more likely to report an adverse event, compared to smokers (adjusted hazard ratio (HR) = 1.80; 95%CI = 1.24, 2.62); as were those who had reported a history of depression (adjusted HR = 1.27; 95%CI = 1.01, 1.60) or a recent cough or cold (adjusted HR = 1.22; 95%CI = 1.03, 1.44) at baseline. Reporting of adverse events was not associated with withdrawals (adjusted HR = 1.12; 95%CI = 0.86, 1.46). These data did not identify any clear pattern in the factors associated with self-reported adverse events, which themselves did not increase risk of withdrawals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Z Malihi
- School of Population Health, University of Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Z Wu
- School of Population Health, University of Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Cmm Lawes
- School of Population Health, University of Auckland, New Zealand
| | - J Sluyter
- School of Population Health, University of Auckland, New Zealand
| | - D Waayer
- School of Population Health, University of Auckland, New Zealand
| | - L Toop
- Department of Public Health & General Practice, The University of Otago, New Zealand
| | - K-T Khaw
- Department of Public Health, University of Cambridge, England, United Kingdom
| | - C A Camargo
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, USA
| | - R Scragg
- School of Population Health, University of Auckland, New Zealand.
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Malihi Z, Wu Z, Lawes CMM, Scragg R. Adverse events from large dose vitamin D supplementation taken for one year or longer. J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol 2019; 188:29-37. [PMID: 30529281 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsbmb.2018.12.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2018] [Revised: 11/23/2018] [Accepted: 12/06/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
In recent years, clinical trials increasingly have given large doses of vitamin D supplements to investigate possible health benefits beyond bone at high 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels. However, there are few publications on the safety of high-dose vitamin D given long term. The study objective was to investigate the cumulative relative risk (RR) of total adverse events, kidney stones, hypercalcemia and hypercalciuria from ≥2800 IU/d vitamin D2 or D3 supplementation, followed for one year or more in randomized controlled trials (RCTs). A systematic review was conducted in Medline Ovid, EMBASE and Cochrane in March 2018 to update results of studies published since a previous review in October 2015. RCTs were included if they gave vitamin D2 or D3 at ≥2800 IU/d for at least one year and reported on total adverse events or at least one calcium-related adverse event. There were a total of 32 studies that met the inclusion criteria. Of these, only 15 studies (3150 participants) reported one or more event of the outcomes of interest. Long-term high-dose vitamin D supplementation did not increase total adverse events compared to placebo in 1731 participants from 10 studies (RR = 1.05; 95% CI = 0.88, 1.24; p = 0.61), nor kidney stones in 1336 participants from 5 studies (RR = 1.26; 95% CI = 0.35, 4.58; p = 0.72). However, there was a trend for vitamin D to increase risk of hypercalcemia in 2598 participants from 10 studies (RR = 1.93; 95% CI = 1.00, 3.73; p = 0.05); while its effect on hypercalciuria in only 276 participants from 3 studies was inconclusive (RR = 1.93; 95% CI = 0.83, 4.46; p = 0.12). In conclusion, one year or longer supplementation with a large daily, weekly or monthly dose of vitamin D2 /D3 did not significantly increase a risk of total adverse events or kidney stones, although there was a trend towards increased hypercalcemia, and possibly for hypercalciuria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Z Malihi
- School of Population Health, University of Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Zhenqiang Wu
- School of Population Health, University of Auckland, New Zealand
| | | | - Robert Scragg
- School of Population Health, University of Auckland, New Zealand.
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Malihi Z, Lawes CMM, Wu Z, Huang Y, Waayer D, Toop L, Khaw KT, Camargo CA, Scragg R. Monthly high-dose vitamin D3 supplementation and self-reported adverse events in a 4-year randomized controlled trial. Clin Nutr 2018; 38:1581-1587. [PMID: 30146166 DOI: 10.1016/j.clnu.2018.07.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2018] [Revised: 07/26/2018] [Accepted: 07/29/2018] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The use of high-dose vitamin D supplementation has increased in recent years. However, relatively little is known about the safety of long-term high doses. AIMS To investigate the safety of a monthly high-dose of vitamin D3 supplementation taken for up to 4 years. METHODS Data were collected in a randomized, double blind, placebo-controlled trial of 5108 adults aged 50-84 years old from Auckland, New Zealand. Participants were given monthly doses of 100,000 IU vitamin D3 or placebo, for a median of 3.3 years (range 2.5-4.2 years). They answered an open-ended question in a monthly questionnaire about any adverse events they attributed to the study capsules, which were coded blindly. Incidence rates per person months were calculated for categories of adverse events. Cox regression model used to calculate hazard ratio of time to first adverse-event. RESULTS In total, 419 (16.5%) participants taking vitamin D and 399 (15.8%) taking placebo reported ≥1 adverse event. Compared to placebo, the hazard ratio (HR) of reporting first adverse event in the vitamin D group was 1.03 (95% CI: 0.90, 1.18; p = 0.63). Despite a slightly higher incidence of recurrent adverse events in vitamin D arm, the incidence rate ratio (1.17) was not significantly higher in vitamin D (95% CI: 0.97, 1.41; p = 0.10). All regression results were adjusted for age, sex, and ethnicity. There was no difference between study arms in terms of participants' allocation perception (p = 0.52). CONCLUSION Monthly supplementation of 100,000 IU vitamin D3 for a median of 3.3 years did not affect participant-reported adverse events. TRIAL REGISTRATION clinicaltrials.gov Identifier: ACTRN12611000402943; https://www.anzctr.org.au/Trial/Registration/TrialReview.aspx?ACTRN=ACTRN12611000402943.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zarintaj Malihi
- School of Population Health, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Carlene M M Lawes
- School of Population Health, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Zhenqiang Wu
- School of Population Health, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Ying Huang
- School of Population Health, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Debbie Waayer
- School of Population Health, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - L Toop
- Department of General Practice, University of Otago, Christchurch, New Zealand
| | - Kay-Tee Khaw
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Carlos A Camargo
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Robert Scragg
- School of Population Health, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand.
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Scragg R. Emerging Evidence of Thresholds for Beneficial Effects from Vitamin D Supplementation. Nutrients 2018; 10:nu10050561. [PMID: 29751504 PMCID: PMC5986441 DOI: 10.3390/nu10050561] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2018] [Revised: 04/29/2018] [Accepted: 04/30/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Publications from clinical trials of vitamin D supplementation have increased substantially over the last 15 years. Yet, despite the growing number of randomized controlled trials, meta-analyses of these studies have drawn inconsistent conclusions. Many meta-analyses assume that vitamin D is a pharmacological agent, and give scant consideration of it being a nutrient. This limits their potential to detect beneficial effects in participants with vitamin D deficiency. An increasing body of evidence from both observational studies and clinical trials supports the presence of thresholds in vitamin D status below which disease risk increases and vitamin supplementation has beneficial effects. Future supplementation trials which seek to replicate these findings should recruit sufficient numbers of participants with low vitamin D levels, and not give low-dose vitamin D to the placebo group. If the presence of vitamin D thresholds for beneficial effects is confirmed, this would strengthen the need for vitamin D fortification of foods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert Scragg
- School of Population Health, University of Auckland, Private Bag 92019, Auckland 1142, New Zealand.
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