Which dose and duration is recommended for vitamin A supplementation in suspected deficiency?

Which dose and duration is recommended for vitamin A supplementation in suspected deficiency?

• A. 5,000 IU/day for 7 days
• B. 25,000 IU/day for 14 days
• C. 50,000 IU/day for 30 days
• D. 100,000 IU/day for 7 days

Answer: (B)

When vitamin A deficiency is suspected, the goal is to quickly rebuild liver stores while keeping toxicity risk low. A practical approach is a substantial, short-term repletion course that delivers enough vitamin A to replenish stores over about two weeks. The regimen of 25,000 IU daily for 14 days achieves this balance: it provides a meaningful replenishment dose without the higher toxicity risks that come with very large daily amounts or with longer, more prolonged courses. Other dosing patterns either don’t replenish stores quickly enough or expose the patient to unnecessary risk. Too small a daily dose over a short period may fail to correct deficiency, leaving symptoms untreated. Very high daily doses or extending the course to a month increase the chance of adverse effects such as hepatotoxicity or other signs of vitamin A excess, especially in patients with liver disease or malabsorption. After this repletion phase, clinicians typically reassess and transition to maintenance or a tailored plan based on ongoing nutrition status and risk factors. This approach focuses on restoring adequate vitamin A stores efficiently and safely, which is why the two-week, moderate-dose regimen is preferred.

When vitamin A deficiency is suspected, the goal is to quickly rebuild liver stores while keeping toxicity risk low. A practical approach is a substantial, short-term repletion course that delivers enough vitamin A to replenish stores over about two weeks. The regimen of 25,000 IU daily for 14 days achieves this balance: it provides a meaningful replenishment dose without the higher toxicity risks that come with very large daily amounts or with longer, more prolonged courses.

Other dosing patterns either don’t replenish stores quickly enough or expose the patient to unnecessary risk. Too small a daily dose over a short period may fail to correct deficiency, leaving symptoms untreated. Very high daily doses or extending the course to a month increase the chance of adverse effects such as hepatotoxicity or other signs of vitamin A excess, especially in patients with liver disease or malabsorption.

After this repletion phase, clinicians typically reassess and transition to maintenance or a tailored plan based on ongoing nutrition status and risk factors. This approach focuses on restoring adequate vitamin A stores efficiently and safely, which is why the two-week, moderate-dose regimen is preferred.