We use cookies to make your experience better. To comply with the new e-Privacy directive, we need to ask for your consent to set the cookies. Learn more.
Vitamin D Deficiency Linked to IBS
A new study recently carried out at the University of Sheffield has found a significant link between vitamin D deficiency and Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) – a debilitating condition that affects up to 15% of the population in the industrialised world.
51 patients took part in this recent randomized, double-blind controlled trial.
Initial tests showed that 81.8% of people with IBS and constipation, 70% with diarrhea and 81.6% with mixed bowel habits were deficient in vitamin D. Researchers also identified a significant association between vitamin D level and quality of life.
Following initial testing to establish these baseline scores, study participants were randomly allocated to receive either placebo, vitamin D + probiotic supplementation, or just vitamin D supplementation for 12 weeks. Results showed that after 12 weeks of supplementation, all patients with adequate levels of vitamin D showed signs of improvement. More specifically, the group taking vitamin D + probiotic supplementation improved from 25% to 87.5%, the group taking vitamin D on its own improved from 22.2% to 92.3%. Interestingly, improvements were also noted in the placebo group, from 18.5% to 60%.
The researchers commented on the potential mechanism of action behind vitamin D's role in bowel function,
“Vitamin D receptor (VDR) is also expressed in the gut and regulates epithelial barrier function and bowel inflammation suggesting that a vitamin D deficient diet may directly impact bowel function and hence IBS symptomology.”
An estimated 10 million people across England are suffering from low levels of vitamin D – around 1 in 5 adults and 1 in 6 children according to the NICE Centre for Public Health. Many people are unaware that the main source of vitamin D is not food but sunshine. The skin manufactures this essential nutrient upon contact with the sun’s rays; in colder climes however, when people spend more time covered up indoors, production is very limited. In addition, in the UK from mid-October to the start of April, sunlight doesn’t have the correct wavelength to create vitamin D in the skin. Supplementation with vitamin D as cholecalciferol with added vitamin K2 is an effective way to increase levels.
References:
Tazzyman S et al. Vitamin D associates with improved quality of life in participants with irritable bowel syndrome: outcomes from a pilot trial. BMJ Open Gastro. Doi: 10.1136/bmjgast-2015-000052
This website and its content is copyright of Nutri Advanced ©. All rights reserved. See our terms & conditions for more detail.
Most Popular Articles
-
What Does A Toxic Lifestyle Really Mean?
New year is a popular time to detox and the best place to start go is by 'cleaning up' your lifestyle. But what does this really mean? -
Optimal Nutrition for Back to School
The new school year requires your child to be fully energised, ready to concentrate, able to deal with daily strains and much more - find out how you can support these. -
Supporting You With a Better Understanding of Coronavirus & Empowering You With Information on Immune Health
Separate facts from fiction in coronavirus overview, accessing updates you can trust and practical ways to support your immune health. -
Which Vitamin D Product Is Right For Me?
Nutri Advanced offers one of the most comprehensive vitamin D product ranges available. We aim to cater for all of your vitamin D needs no matter what your age. -
Guide for Use - UltraMeal™
This guide contains information about UltraMeal, it's uses and how this nutritional food supplement is designed to support healthy body composition and blood sugar balance.