Vitamin D supplements could ease painful IBS symptoms: UK study

25 Jan 2018 --- Vitamin D supplements could help to ease the symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), a new study from the University of Sheffield has found. Scientists from the University’s Department of Oncology and Metabolism reviewed and integrated all available research on vitamin D and IBS – a condition which affects two in ten people in the UK. The study showed a high prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in IBS patients, regardless of their ethnicity.

The Sheffield team also assessed the possible benefits of vitamin D supplements on IBS symptoms. Although more research still needs to be conducted, their findings suggest supplements may help to ease symptoms which can include abdominal pain, bloating, diarrhea and constipation. Vitamin D was shown to have the most benefit on quality of life in IBS.

“It is evident from the findings that all people with IBS should have their vitamin D levels tested and a large majority of them would benefit from supplements,” says Dr. Bernard Corfe, lead author of the study. “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 debilitating functional disorder of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. 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 percent 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.

Vitamin D is essential for general wellbeing, including bone health, immune function, mental health as well as gut health. Vitamin D inadequacy can be remedied relatively easily with supplements if diagnosed. Low vitamin D status has already been associated with the risk of colorectal cancer and has been implicated in inflammatory bowel disease.

The new study is published today in the European Journal of Clinical Nutrition.