SummaryBackground and objectives Fibroblast growth factor 23 is a phosphate-and vitamin D-regulating hormone. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of ergocalciferol administration on fibroblast growth factor 23 levels in healthy vitamin D-deficient subjects.Design, setting, participants, & measurements In this 12-week trial conducted in a clinical research center, 18-to 45-year-old subjects (n=90) with 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels #20 ng/ml (by chemiluminescent immunoassay) were randomized to weekly ergocalciferol treatment of 50,000 international units or placebo, while consuming a self-selected diet. Changes in fibroblast growth factor 23, 25-hydroxyvitamin D (by liquid chromatography/ tandem mass spectroscopy), 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D, parathyroid hormone, and serum phosphate were measured.Results Mean 25-hydroxyvitamin D (P,0.0001), 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D (P=0.01), and fibroblast growth factor 23 (P=0.003) increased in the treatment versus placebo group. In the treatment group, 25-hydroxyvitamin D increased from 1867 to 40612 ng/ml at week 4 (P,0.0001) and remained stable at 43612 ng/ml at week 12 (P,0.0001); 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D increased from 42617 to 52618 pg/ml at week 4 (P,0.001) and then remained stable, and fibroblast growth factor 23 increased from 43617 to 60633 pg/ml at week 8 (P=0.001) and 74642 pg/ml at week 12 (P,0.0001). Urinary phosphate excretion increased within the treatment group, but parathyroid hormone and serum phosphate were unchanged.Conclusions Ergocalciferol administration increases circulating fibroblast growth factor 23. When measuring fibroblast growth factor 23, concurrent 25-hydroxyvitamin D measurements should be obtained, because vitamin D deficiency may lower circulating fibroblast growth factor 23 levels.