Vitamin D Statement
Guiding Principles
Low dose vitamin D may help with the symptoms of fatigue, weakness, and muscle loss. However, there is a lack of consensus to support routine vitamin D3 supplementation in all people receiving conservative kidney management.
There is no evidence to support monitoring serum parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels and therefore do not need to be routinely monitored unless otherwise indicated.
For patients receiving conservative kidney management, the primary goal is to optimize function and quality of life compatible with level of frailty. Individualization is key
As a patient's condition deteriorates, the Vitamin D Statement is not considered to be relevant to their conservative kidney management.
- Patients with CKD have reduced 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D (1,25(OH)2D) activity and can receive an active vitamin D replacement (vitamin D analogue)
- Based on their own clinical assessment, individual practitioners may recommend defined doses to address the potential role of active vitamin D delivery in fatigue, weakness, and muscle loss
- A suggested starting dose would be: calcitriol (Rocaltrol) 0.25 mcg PO 3 times a week
- See: Calcium/Phosphorous Guideline
- See: Fatigue/Sleep Guideline