cholecalciferol + medium-chain triglycerides

Cholecalciferol + medium-chain triglycerides is a high-dose vitamin D3 formulation being investigated by Semmelweis University for the treatment of chronic heart failure (CHF) in patients with vitamin D deficiency. Marketed under the brand name Vigantol, this formulation utilizes medium-chain triglycerides (MCT oil) as a lipid-based carrier to facilitate the absorption of cholecalciferol, a fat-soluble steroid hormone precursor. In the body, cholecalciferol is hydroxylated to its active form, calcitriol, which binds to the vitamin D receptor (VDR). The therapeutic rationale in CHF involves the VDR-mediated modulation of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS), reduction of systemic inflammation, and potential direct improvement of myocardial contractility. A Phase 3 clinical trial (NCT01535196) was designed to evaluate the impact of monthly 180,000 IU doses on survival, ejection fraction, and functional capacity in this patient population.

Brand names

Vigantol

Other names

vitamin D3cholecalciferol25-hydroxyvitamin D325-OH-D3 vitamin oil