Could Vitamin D Supplements Lessen IBS Symptoms?

Vitamin D supplements can improve the quality of life for patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), according to a new study.

Although low levels of vitamin D have been connected to other gastrointestinal conditions, no research has been conducted to explore how vitamin B levels affect IBS patients. This research can help diagnose and create treatments for IBS patients, therefore improving their quality of life.
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Researchers conducted a 3-month, randomized study of patients with IBS who were prescribed vitamin D supplements, a placebo, or a combination of the two. Researchers also administered questionnaires to determine IBS symptoms and dietary intake and a blood test at baseline and follow-up to determine vitamin D levels.

Of the 51 patients in the study, 82% had low levels of vitamin D and, therefore, a low quality of life at baseline.

Although there isn’t a cure for IBS, vitamin D supplements eased IBS symptoms and improved patients’ quality of life. The group of patients who received a combination of placebos and vitamin D supplements improved from 22% at baseline to 25% at follow-up, and those who received vitamin D supplements improved from 88% to 92%.

“The IBS population exhibits significant levels of vitamin D insufficiency and would benefit from screening and possible supplementation. The impact of IBS on quality of life may be reduced by vitamin D level,” researchers concluded.

Researchers also acknowledged that more research is needed to make any definitive conclusions.

—Amanda Balbi

Reference:

Tazzyman S, Richards N, Trueman AR, et al. Vitamin D associates with improved quality of life in participants with irritable bowel syndrome: outcomes from a pilot trial. BMJ Open Gastroenterology. Published online December 21, 2015. http://bmjopengastro.bmj.com/doi/10.1136/bmjgast-2015-000052.