From the Research
For a pediatric patient weighing 34.75 kg requiring vitamin D treatment, I recommend a dose of 2,000-4,000 IU daily for 6-8 weeks. This treatment dose is appropriate for correcting vitamin D deficiency in a child of this weight. The medication can be given as vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol), which is the preferred form due to better absorption and efficacy, as supported by studies such as 1 and 2. Key points to consider in the treatment of vitamin D deficiency in pediatric patients include:
- The use of cholecalciferol as the preferred form of vitamin D supplementation due to its better absorption and efficacy 2
- The importance of taking the vitamin D supplement with food containing some fat to enhance absorption
- The need for blood levels to be rechecked after the treatment period to ensure the deficiency has been corrected
- The recommendation for a maintenance dose of 600-1,000 IU daily after the initial treatment period
- The consideration of the patient's weight in determining the appropriate dose, with pediatric guidelines typically recommending 1,000-5,000 IU daily depending on the severity of deficiency and the child's size. It is also worth noting that vitamin D is essential for calcium absorption, bone development, and immune function in growing children, making adequate supplementation crucial for their health and development.