Is the Lack of a Vitamin Making Your IBD Worse?

A study presented at the 73rd Annual Scientific Meeting of the American College of Gastroenterology (ACG) shows that people with IBD are more likely to have a vitamin D deficiency. Of the 504 IBD patients studied, half had a lack of vitamin D, and in 11% of those, the deficiency was considered severe. This lack of vitamin D was associated with increased disease activity scores. (The press release from the ACG did not indicate what scale was used to measure disease activity.)

People with Crohn’s disease and a vitamin D deficiency reported a lower quality of life. The same association was not seen in people with ulcerative colitis who had a vitamin D deficiency. The authors of the study recommend that people with IBD have their vitamin D levels checked. Vitamin D can be found in fish, eggs, fortified milk, and cod liver oil.

More on IBD and vitamin D:
Facts About Vitamin D
Vitamin and Mineral Deficiencies in IBD
Vitamins and Supplements for Crohn's Disease

Source:

Ulitsky A, et al. “ Vitamin D Deficiency Common in Patients with IBD, Chronic Liver Disease.” American College of Gastroenterology 6 Oct 2008. 8 Oct 2008.