High-dose Vitamin D3 for critically ill patients

The VITDALIZE Study: Effect of High-dose Vitamin D3 on 28-day Mortality in Adult Critically Ill Patients With Severe Vitamin D Deficiency: a Multicenter, Placebo-controlled Double-blind Phase III Randomized Controlled Trial (RCT)

Phase 3 Interventional Medical University of Graz · NCT03188796

This study is testing if giving high doses of vitamin D3 can help critically ill adults with severe vitamin D deficiency live longer.

Quick facts

PhasePhase 3
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment2400 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 100 Years
SexAll
SponsorMedical University of Graz Academic / other
Locations18 sites (Enzenbach and 17 other locations)
Trial IDNCT03188796 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study investigates the effects of high-dose vitamin D3 on 28-day mortality in adult patients who are critically ill and have severe vitamin D deficiency. It is a multicenter, placebo-controlled, double-blind randomized controlled trial involving 480 participants who will be randomly assigned to receive either vitamin D3 or a placebo. The study aims to confirm previous findings that suggested a significant reduction in mortality among severely vitamin D deficient patients. The results could provide insights into a low-cost intervention for improving outcomes in critically ill patients.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are adults aged 18 and older who are critically ill, have a severe vitamin D deficiency, and are expected to stay in the ICU for at least 48 hours.

Not a fit: Patients with severe gastrointestinal dysfunction, those with a do-not-resuscitate order, or those with conditions like hypercalcemia or active tuberculosis may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this treatment could significantly reduce mortality rates in critically ill patients with severe vitamin D deficiency.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown promising results with vitamin D supplementation in critically ill patients, but this specific approach is being further validated in a larger multicenter setting.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* ≥18 years
* Anticipated ICU stay ≥ 48 hours
* Admission to ICU ≤ 72 hours before screening
* Severe vitamin D deficiency (≤12 ng/ml or undetectable)

Exclusion Criteria:

* Severe gastrointestinal dysfunction (\> 400 ml residual volume)/unable to take study medication
* Do not resuscitate (DNR) order/imminent death
* hypercalcemia
* known recent nephrolithiasis, active tuberculosis or sarcoidosis
* pregnancy/lactation
* not deemed appropriate by study team/physician

Where this trial is running

Enzenbach and 17 other locations

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Critical IllnessVitamin D DeficiencyCovid19vitamin Dcritical careCOVID-19
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.