What methods were used in the study to evaluate vitamin D supplementation?

The study examined two vitamin D3 repletion protocols in adults with recent Spinal Cord Injuries admitted for rehabilitation. One group, the Higher Dose (HD) group, received 10,000 IU of vitamin D3 weekly, plus 1000 IU daily. The other, the Lower Dose (LD) group, received 1000 IU of vitamin D3 daily. Both groups also received calcium carbonate. The study focused on tracking changes in serum 25OHD levels, a key indicator of vitamin D status, and monitoring for adverse effects.

What were the main differences in outcomes between the two vitamin D supplementation protocols?

The results showed that both protocols increased serum 25OHD levels, but the Higher Dose (HD) regimen was significantly more effective. The HD group saw a greater increase in serum 25OHD levels compared to the Lower Dose (LD) group. While both protocols improved vitamin D status, the HD regimen was more successful in bringing individuals out of vitamin D deficiency. However, even the HD group had a limited number of participants achieving vitamin D sufficiency.

Do typical vitamin D supplementation approaches work for individuals in Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) rehabilitation?

Standard vitamin D supplementation protocols may not be sufficient to achieve optimal vitamin D status in individuals undergoing Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) rehabilitation. The study suggests that higher doses of vitamin D3, like the Higher Dose (HD) protocol used in the research (10,000 IU weekly plus 1000 IU daily), may be needed to effectively raise vitamin D levels and improve outcomes. This is especially important considering the high prevalence of vitamin D deficiency among those with SCI.

How can individuals ensure they are getting enough vitamin D during Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) recovery?

To ensure sufficient Vitamin D during Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) rehabilitation, consider the following. First, understand that vitamin D deficiency is common in people with SCI. Second, discuss vitamin D testing and supplementation with your healthcare provider. Based on the study, higher dose regimens may be necessary. Regular monitoring of serum 25OHD levels is critical to track progress and ensure adequate levels are achieved, and importantly, that no adverse effects occur. Remember, vitamin D is essential for overall health and plays a crucial role in the recovery process following a Spinal Cord Injury.

A person in a wheelchair bathed in sunlight, symbolizing vitamin D and SCI recovery.

Vitamin D After Spinal Cord Injury: Are You Getting Enough?

Q: Why is vitamin D so important for people with Spinal Cord Injuries?

Vitamin D is a vital nutrient, crucial for bone health, immune function, and overall well-being. In the context of Spinal Cord Injury (SCI), it's particularly important due to the increased risk of secondary health issues. Vitamin D deficiency is alarmingly common among individuals with SCI, both soon after injury and long-term, making it essential to address.

Jordan Keane in Health & Wellness December 2025 • 5 min read.

"Discover the surprising vitamin D deficiency rates in spinal cord injury patients and learn how to optimize your levels for better health outcomes."

Vitamin D is crucial for more than just strong bones. Its impact extends to your immune system, muscles, and overall well-being. For individuals recovering from a spinal cord injury (SCI), maintaining optimal vitamin D levels is especially important due to the increased risk of secondary health conditions.

Studies consistently reveal that people with SCI often experience alarmingly high rates of vitamin D deficiency, both shortly after the injury and in the long term. This deficiency can be attributed to factors like limited sun exposure, reduced dietary intake, and potential metabolic changes. Knowing this, what's the best approach to ensure sufficient vitamin D during SCI rehabilitation?

New research has investigated the effectiveness of two different vitamin D supplementation protocols in adults undergoing inpatient SCI rehabilitation. The findings shed light on whether standard approaches are sufficient and what adjustments might be necessary to improve vitamin D status during this critical recovery period.

Unpacking Vitamin D Supplementation in SCI Rehabilitation: What the Study Found

A person in a wheelchair bathed in sunlight, symbolizing vitamin D and SCI recovery.

A recent prospective case series examined the impact of two vitamin D3 repletion protocols on adults with recent spinal cord injuries admitted to an inpatient rehabilitation center. The study involved 30 participants with either complete or incomplete sensorimotor impairments. All participants were given 500mg of calcium carbonate to help meet age and sex specific dietary needs. The study focused on tracking changes in serum 25OHD levels (a key indicator of vitamin D status) and monitoring for any adverse effects.

Participants were divided into two groups based on their initial vitamin D levels:

Higher Dose (HD): Participants with serum 25OHD levels ≤30 nmol/L received 10,000 IU of vitamin D3 weekly, plus 1000 IU daily, for an average of 36.8 days.
Lower Dose (LD): Participants with serum 25OHD levels >30 nmol/L received 1000 IU of vitamin D3 daily for an average of 38.2 days.

The results indicated that while both protocols increased serum 25OHD levels, the higher dose regimen led to a greater increase. Specifically, the HD group saw an average increase of 31.4 nmol/L, compared to 11.7 nmol/L in the LD group. Notably, none of the participants on the HD regimen remained vitamin D deficient by the end of the study, although only one achieved vitamin D sufficiency (≥75 nmol/L). In contrast, nearly all individuals on the LD regimen remained vitamin D insufficient, with only two reaching sufficiency. Importantly, no adverse effects were observed in either group.

The Bottom Line: Optimizing Vitamin D for SCI Recovery

While both vitamin D supplementation protocols increased serum 25OHD levels, the study highlights that commonly prescribed regimens may not be enough to achieve optimal vitamin D status in individuals undergoing inpatient SCI rehabilitation. The higher dose protocol (10,000 IU weekly plus 1000 IU daily) was more effective at raising vitamin D levels, but even this approach only resulted in a small percentage of participants reaching sufficiency.

These findings suggest that individuals with SCI may require higher doses of vitamin D to overcome factors hindering vitamin D metabolism and achieve the desired health benefits. It's important to work closely with your healthcare provider to determine the appropriate vitamin D supplementation strategy based on your individual needs and circumstances.

This research underscores the importance of monitoring vitamin D levels and adjusting supplementation protocols accordingly to optimize recovery and well-being after a spinal cord injury. Future studies should explore the efficacy and safety of even higher-dose regimens to achieve vitamin D sufficiency in this population.