Vitamin D and IBD

Vitamin D helps to regulate the amount of calcium and phosphate in the body and it is essential for healthy bones. Vitamin D also helps to reduce inflammation and is important for good general health and growth. There has been studies which have shown a correspondence between people with inflammatory bowel disease and low levels of vitamin D. It is one of the most common vitamin deficiencies seen in people with Crohn’s disease. The studies have found people who have low levels of vitamin D had a higher severity of the disease. It has highlighted the importance of monitoring and treating people with IBD.

Vitamin D is essential for absorbing calcium into the body. This means people who lack vitamin D most often lack calcium as well. A small lack in vitamin D may not cause symptoms but can cause:

·         Tiredness

·         Generalised aches and pains

A severe lack in vitamin D can result in:

·         Bone deformities in children i.e. rickets

·         Bone pain and tenderness in adults (osteomalacia)

People who suffer with an IBD are more prone to osteoporosis and other bone diseases which is attributed to the lack of vitamin D.

Vitamin D deficiency can be diagnosed by a simple blood test by the doctor. 

There are a few different theories as to why us IBDers may have less vitamin D. They include:

·         Due to their symptoms they may be more likely to stay inside, near a toilet or resting and then we do not get much access to sunlight to get natural vitamin D. 

·         More IBDers live in the northern areas which has less sunlight.

·         Vitamin D is a fat soluble vitamin and people with active inflammation in their small intestine poorly absorbs fat meaning less fat for vitamin D to be absorbed in. 

Vitamin D is made under our skin due to the reaction to sunlight so increasing your exposure to sunlight can help increase your vitamin D levels. However, you need to make sure you do this safely. In the northern areas which includes the most of Europe there is not thought to be enough sunlight during the winter months to get the sun exposure which is needed. 

It is therefore important to get vitamin D from other sources, such as through your diet or through supplements. It is also found naturally in a small number of foods including:

·         Oily fish such as salmon, sardines and mackerel

·         Eggs

·         Fortified foods with vitamin D such as cereals

If you choose to take an over the counter vitamin D supplement make sure you do not exceed the recommended dose.