Randomised controlled trial of daily versus stoss vitamin D therapy in Aboriginal children

Aim The prevalence of vitamin D deficiency has risen in countries with a high ultraviolet index and sunny environment such as Australia. There is lack of information on vitamin D status and best possible therapy in Australian Aboriginal children. We aim to (i) describe the vitamin D status in an opportunistic sample of Aboriginal children in Western Australia and (ii) compare the efficacy of oral daily vitamin D with oral stoss vitamin D therapy in this sample. Method Participants were recruited from a metropolitan area (31′ S) and a rural area (17′ S). Those with a 25(OH)D level less than 78 nmol/L were randomised to receive daily or stoss vitamin D therapy with follow‐up at 4–6 months and 9–12 months. Biochemical and clinical parameters such as 25(OH)D, alkaline phosphatase, calcium and sun exposure were collected. Results Seventy‐three participants were enrolled (61 from a metropolitan and 12 from a rural area). 25(OH)D levels were greater than 78 nmol/L in 9/12 (75%) participants in the rural group and 21/61 (34%) in the metropolitan group. 25(OH)D levels were less than 78 nmol/L in 43/73 (59%) participants. Of these, 34/43 (79%) were insufficient (50–78 nmol/L), 8/43 (19%) mildly deficient (27.5–50 nmol/L) and 1/43 (2%) deficient (