According to a Life Extension Clinical Research, Inc. study, switching to a lipid-based softgel formulation containing 5,000 IU of vitamin D3 led to a statistically significant 28.5% increase in 25(OH) D blood levels among healthy adults who had been taking 5,000 IU of a dry powder-based vitamin D3.

The study, titled “An open-label study to evaluate the effect of 5,000 IU of vitamin D3 softgel on serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels among healthy adults” was presented at the Experimental Biology Scientific Conference in Boston, MA. on March 29. The annual scientific meeting is comprised of over 14,000 scientists and exhibitors representing six sponsoring societies and multiple guest societies with interest in research and life sciences.

The researchers, Steven P. Hirsh, RPh, DPM, MHSA, Luke G. Huber, ND, MBA, Kira Schmid, ND, Judith Woolger, MD, and Steven V. Joyal, MD, set out to determine if a lipid-based softgel vitamin D supplement could boost vitamin D blood levels in healthy adults who had already been taking a dry, powder-based vitamin D capsule at the same dosage for at least 3 months.

After discontinuing their dry powder-based vitamin D3 capsules, 16 participants were instructed to take a lipid-based softgel formulation containing 5,000 IU vitamin D3 for 60 days. Blood levels of 25(OH)D were measured at baseline (prior to vitamin D3 softgel ingestion), day 30, and day 60.

Fifteen participants completed the study. No serious adverse events were reported. Compared with baseline, blood levels of 25(OH)D increased by 16.0% by day 30 and 28.5% by day 60. The results were statistically significant.

Dr. Steven Hirsh, director of clinical research at Life Extension Clinical Research, Inc., noted this study helps answer an important question about the optimal delivery method for vitamin D supplementation.

“One of the key considerations is the impact of different delivery vehicles, especially powders and oils, on nutrient bioavailability,” said Dr. Hirsh. “Our findings suggest a lipid-based vitamin D formulation may be superior to a dry powder-based product and provides a rationale for further research in this area.”

The form of vitamin D utilized for this study was cholecalciferol (vitamin D3)—the natural form of vitamin D that the body makes in response to sunlight. Vitamin D has received significant research attention over the past decade and is known to play a critical role in calcium and phosphorus homeostasis, bone mineralization, and skeletal growth. A low level of vitamin D has been linked to various diseases including cancer, cardiovascular disease, and autoimmune disease.