ABSTRACT
The pathological consumption of alcohol and other drugs is associated with calcium metabolism disfunction through different pathways. Hypovitaminosis D contributes to acute a chronic neuronal injury in alcohol dependent patients. We do not have national evidence regarding the presence of hypovitaminosis D in addicted patients and there is a lack of information in the literature regarding polysubstance users. In this retrospective study, we evaluate the presence of hypovitaminosis of D in Substance Use Disorder inpatients treated in the Psychiatric Clinic of the University during the months of August to November 2017 and we described their main characteristics. 24 patients were evaluated, 19 of whom presented levels lower than 30 ng/ml of Vitamin D. Of those patients with hypovitaminosis 79% were men and 90% of them consumed alcohol, although in only 26% alcohol was the main substance. The main substance reported by the patients was cocaine (37%), smokable cocaine (32%) and marijuana (5%). Despite the methodological limitations of the study and the high prevalence of Hypovitaminosis D reported in the Chilean population, the results of this study suggest the need for a systematic evaluation of Vitamin D levels in patients hospitalized for addictions to adequately supplement those who require it. (AU)