People With IBD May Lack Vitamin D:
People who have inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) may have a vitamin D deficiency. Dietary fat is necessary in order for vitamin D to be absorbed and used by the body. Fat is poorly absorbed by people with active inflammation in the small intestine, such as that caused by Crohn's disease. Vitamin D is needed for calcium to be absorbed by the body. Prednisone, which is sometimes taken by people who have IBD, can interfere with the absorption of calcium, decreasing body's ability to use vitamin D. Also, people who are too ill to go outside may not get any Vitamin D from the sun.
Where Vitamin D Is Found:
Vitamin D, as well as calcium, is found in fortified milk. However, those who are lactose intolerant and avoid milk products may not be able to receive any vitamin D from this source. Just going out in the sun could provide some of this essential vitamin -- and most people get their vitamin D this way -- but it is still poorly absorbed by the small intestine by those with active Crohn's disease.
Severe Vitamin D Deficiencies:
A severe deficiency of vitamin D could lead to osteomalacia, or in the case of children, rickets. Literally, osteomalacia means "soft bones," and people with this condition are susceptible to bone fractures. The usual course of treatment is to supplement the diet with both calcium and vitamin D, and avoid the use of corticosteroids when possible. Therapy with other drugs may also be necessary, depending on the severity of bone density loss.
Supplements and Foods With Vitamin D:
People with IBD may need supplements in order to maintain the proper level of vitamin D. Regular monitoring may also be needed in order to track vitamin D levels.
Vitamin D can be found in these food sources:
- Butter and fortified margarines
- Eggs
- Fish liver oils
- Fortified milk and milk powder
- Liver
- Some fortified cereals
Check with your doctor or nutritionist about vitamin and mineral supplements if you are concerned about these, or any other, deficiencies.
Sources:
Office of Dietary Supplements, National Institutes of Health. "Dietary Supplement Fact Sheet: Vitamin D." National Institutes of Health 18 Apr 2008. 2 Sept 2009.
Gilman J, Shanahan F, Cashman KD. "Determinants of vitamin D status in adult Crohn's disease patients, with particular emphasis on supplemental vitamin D use." Eur J Clin Nutr Jul 2006 7:889-896.2 Sept 2009.
