1 alpha-hydroxyvitamin D3 in intestinal calcium malabsorption. A pilot study.

The effect of oral 1 alpha-hydroxyvitamin D3 (1 alpha (OH)D3) was studied in six patients with calcium malabsorption and steatorrhoea due to small-intestinal resection or small-bowel disease. After 3 months of treatment with 1 alpha (OH)D3 a significant increase in calcium absorption, but not in bone mineral content (BMC), was observed. During treatment urinary calcium increased significantly. We conclude that comparative long-term studies should be carried out to determine the effect and side effects of 1 alpha (OH)D3 and conventional vitamin D in calcium malabsorption after small-intestinal resections.