The British study, which is the first of its kind, found that out of 51 IBS patients tested 82% exhibited insufficient vitamin D levels. Researchers from the University of Sheffield discovered a significant association between a patient’s vitamin D levels and the severity of their IBS symptoms, particularly the extent to which IBS affects their quality of life.
Dr Bernard Corfe, from the University’s Molecular Gastroenterology Research Group, said: “IBS is a poorly understood condition which impacts severely on the quality of life of sufferers. There is no single known cause and likewise no single known cure.”
IBS is a chronic and debilitating functional disorder of the GIT which affects 10-15% of the western population. Little is known about why and how the condition develops, although it is known that diet and stress can make symptoms worse. IBS accounts for 10% of visits to GP surgeries and the condition has a significant and escalating burden on society as a consequence of lost work days and time spent on regular hospital appointments.
Dr Corfe added: “”It was clear from our findings that many people with IBS should have their vitamin D levels tested, and the data suggests that they may benefit from supplementation with vitamin D. “As a result of this exploratory study, we’re now able to design and justify a larger and more definitive clinical trial.” Researcher Vicky Grant has suffered with IBS for > 30 years. She reported a significant improvement in her symptoms following an introduction to a high-dose of vitamin D3 supplement 5 years ago.
The role of vitamin D supplementation inother GI conditions is also supported by other studies which show associations between a vitamin D deficiency and inflammatory bowel disease. Vitamin D has recently been linked to lowering blood pressure and reducing the risks of heart and kidney disease.
http://www.sheffield.ac.uk/news/nr/most-ibs-sufferers-are-vitamind-deficient-1.535569
http://bmjopengastro.bmj.com/doi/10.1136/bmjgast-2015-000052
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