A study of a single high potency multivitamin preparation in the management of cystic fibrosis

Background: ADEKs(R) is a new multivitamin preparation formulated specifica lly for cystic fibrosis (CF) patients, containing all four fat-soluble vita mins. There is no data currently available on its use in CF. Method: We carried out a retrospective study to evaluate ADEKs(R) in 54 CF patients attending the specialist CF Unit at Nottingham City Hospital. Plas ma vitamin A and E levels were collected from annual review reports when ta king ADEKs(R) and a year previously when using other vitamin preparations. Dietary assessment data was available for 24 of these patients (11 children , 13 adults). Results: ADEKs(R) was taken for a median of 9.5 months by 18 children (mean age 11.3 years; range 7-15 years) and for 4 months by 35 adults (mean age 24 years; range 17-36 years). Median plasma vitamin A levels were significa ntly higher (P<0.05) for all age groups (27% increase for 7-10 year olds, 4 8% increase for 11-15 year olds, 100% increase for 16+ year olds) following the change from other vitamin supplements to ADEKs(R). Median plasma vitam in E levels were also significantly higher (59% increase for 7-10 year olds ; 16% increase for 11-15 year olds; 26% increase for 16+ year olds). Fiftee n (28%) and 9 (17%) patients went from below to within the normal plasma re ference range for vitamins A and E, respectively, when changed onto ADEKs(R ). Four (7%) and 11 (20%) patients had values above the normal plasma range for vitamins A and E, respectively, whilst on ADEKs(R). Conclusion: This study suggests that ADEKs(R) tablets are useful for CF pat ients aged over 10 years as plasma vitamin A and E levels were improved. Th e use of a single vitamin preparation such as ADEKs(R) is likely to improve compliance. We have reservations over its use amongst the 7-10 year olds b ecause of high plasma vitamin A (3/9) and E (7/9) levels, although further research may ultimately endorse its future use within this group.