Abstract and Introduction
Abstract
Background: It is recommended that Swiss infants have a minimum intake of 10.0µg of colecalciferol (vitamin D3) per day during the first 12 months of life. For this reason they are prescribed an alcoholic solution containing colecalciferol. However, it has been stated that the palatability to infants of the alcoholic colecalciferol preparation is poor.
Methods: In an ambulatory care setting, the palatability of two liquid preparations that contained colecalciferol dissolved in either alcohol or in vegetable oil was investigated in 40 healthy newborns and 30 infants. Each study subject sampled both preparations once, and the blinded mother rated the child´s reaction on a visual analogue scale that incorporated a facial hedonic scale.
Results: In 38 newborns, oily colecalciferol was preferred with no difference between the two preparations in the remaining two cases. In 27 infants, oily colecalciferol was preferred with no difference between the two preparations in three infants. None of the 70 study subjects preferred the alcoholic preparation. The difference between the two preparations was significant both in newborns (p < 0.0001) and in infants (p < 0.0005).
Conclusion: From the perspective of the child, the taste of oily colecalciferol is superior to that of alcoholic colecalciferol.
Introduction
Cases in infants of rickets attributable to inadequate vitamin D intake continue to occur in European countries.[1] It is therefore recommended that Swiss infants have a minimum intake of 10.0µg (400IU) of colecalciferol (vitamin D3) per day during the first 12 months of life. For this purpose they are prescribed a daily alcoholic solution containing colecalciferol.[2]
It has been often assumed, but never proven, that the palatability to infants of alcoholic colecalciferol preparations is poor.[3] However, in children, medication palatability and acceptance are crucial for adherence to the prescribed medication and persistence with it over time.[4,5] The purpose of the present study was to compare in healthy newborns and infants the palatability of two liquid preparations that contain colecalciferol dissolved in either alcohol or vegetable oil. Both preparations have demonstrated effectiveness in the prevention and treatment of vitamin D deficiency.[1,2]
Clin Drug Invest. 2006;26(11):663-665. © 2006 Adis Data Information BV
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Cite this: A Taste Comparison of Two Different Liquid Colecalciferol (Vitamin D3) Preparations in Healthy Newborns and Infants - Medscape - Nov 01, 2006.
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