New research has found a linked between low blood levels of vitamin D and symptoms of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).
In a retrospective study at the Medical College of Wisconsin, 504 people with IBD completed questionnaires about their quality of life. Vitamin D measurements, and the date when each low measurement was taken, were also recorded.
Almost 50 percent of the people with IBD were Vitamin D deficient at some point, with 11 percent being severely deficient.
Researchers found that low blood levels of vitamin D coincided with lower quality of life and more cramping, constipation, diarrhea or other symptoms of inflammatory bowel disease.
Inflammatory bowel disease describes two similar yet distinct conditions called Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. These diseases affect the digestive system and cause the intestinal tissue to become inflamed, form sores and bleed easily.
In Canada, nearly 200,000 Canadian men and women suffer from IBD. Most people are diagnosed before the age of 30.
The Canadian Cancer Society recommends 1,000 IU (international units) of the vitamin D daily during the fall and winter months. Many Canadians get too little vitamin D from sun exposure, especially in the winter months.
To determine the dose of vitamin D you need to take, add up how much you're already getting from your multivitamin and calcium supplements.
Choose a vitamin D supplement that contains vitamin D-3, instead of vitamin D-2 which is less potent.
All research on this web site is the property of Leslie Beck Nutrition Consulting Inc. and is protected by copyright. Keep in mind that research on these matters continues daily and is subject to change. The information presented is not intended as a substitute for medical treatment. It is intended to provide ongoing support of your healthy lifestyle practices.