Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Vitamin D supplements raise blood vitamin D in healthy dogs
By Shahraki, Reza Gholipour et al.·Published in BMC veterinary research·2024·Department of Basic Sciences·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: A study on the effects of vitamin D supplementation on hematological parameters and serum 25-hydroxy vitamin D in healthy dogs.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A group of eight healthy mixed-breed male dogs received a daily vitamin D3 supplement to see how it affected their blood levels and overall health. After two weeks, the dogs showed a significant increase in their vitamin D levels, along with improvements in hemoglobin and hematocrit, which are important for healthy blood. Throughout the study, their kidney and liver function remained normal, and there were no adverse effects noted. This suggests that vitamin D3 supplementation can be beneficial for maintaining healthy blood parameters in dogs.
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Abstract
BACKGROUND: Limited studies are available on vitamin D supplementation in dogs. This study evaluates the effect of a commercial vitamin D3 supplement on serum 25-hydroxy vitamin D as well as selected biochemical and hematological parameters in healthy dogs. Eight intact male adult dogs with a mean body weight of 20 kg from mixed breeds were included in the study. After adaptation period, dogs received vitamin D3 supplement at the dose of 50 IU/kg body weight per day. Blood samples were collected on days 0, 14, 28 and 42 of supplementation. Food was used for analysis of vitamin D3 content. RESULTS: Significant increase in serum level of 25-hydroxy vitamin D3 was detected since day 14 of supplementation. Changes in serum 25-hydroxy vitamin D3 concentration during time showed an upward significance (p < 0.05). Vitamin D3 content of the food was 2900 IU/kg dry matter. Changes in serum phosphorus levels were upward significant. No dog showed calcium or phosphorus levels above the highest reference level. Liver and kidney parameters remained in the reference range during the experiment. A gradual significant increase was observed in hemoglobin and hematocrit which was started from day 14. Vitamin D3 supplementation had no significant effect on neutrophils, monocytes and lymphocytes percent during the study. CONCLUSIONS: Vitamin D3 supplementation at 50 IU/kg BW daily, increases serum levels of 25-hydroxy vitamin D in healthy dogs fed with a diet containing proper amount of this vitamin. It also increases hemoglobin and hematocrit levels in a time dependent manner without inducing adverse effects.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38783276/