Vitamin D deficiency can contribute to the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome, and some people with irritable bowel syndrome may benefit from vitamin D supplements. Research on this association remains controversial.
The exact cause of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is unknown, but researchers are investigating many possible factors.
Recent studies have investigated the association between vitamin D levels and the development or worsening of IBS. Here’s what we found:
New research suggests that vitamin D deficiency is associated with the occurrence and development of irritable bowel syndrome.
Several studies have reported a high prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in children and adults.
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In a 2015 study, researchers discovered vitamin D deficiency.
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Although these studies show an association between vitamin D deficiency and irritable bowel syndrome, there is not yet enough evidence to establish a causal relationship. The researchers
Vitamin D is known as the “sunshine vitamin” for good reason. Most people get at least some of their vitamin D from exposure to sunlight.
However, many people do not get enough vitamin D from sunlight alone. There are several reasons for this.
- limit skin exposure to sunlight
Helps reduce Risk of skin cancer. - Some people live in areas that don’t have enough sunlight all year round.
- dark skinned person
May produce less vitamin D From exposure to sunlight.
Other sources of vitamin D include foods and dietary supplements.
food
A good natural food source of vitamin D is fatty fish such as:
Fish liver oil is also a good source of vitamin D. Other foods with varying amounts of vitamin D include:
- beef liver
- egg yolk
- cheese
- mushroom
In the North American diet, most of the vitamin D comes from fortified foods. Examples of fortified foods include:
- milk
- Milk substitutes such as oat milk and almond milk
- breakfast cereal
- orange juice
- Yogurt
- margarine
IBS patients on a low FODMAP diet may want to avoid some of the following foods:
- Dairy products such as milk and yogurt
- mushroom
These foods contain carbohydrates
diet supplements
Dietary supplements may contain vitamin D2 or D3. Both forms of vitamin D can help people meet their vitamin D needs.
Vitamin D3 is
Dietary supplements can help you get enough vitamin D, but excessive amounts of vitamin D are toxic and can cause serious health problems.
The maximum recommended daily intake of vitamin D from any source is 100 micrograms (4,000 IU) for adults.
Still, because each person is different, it’s a good idea to have your current vitamin D levels checked by a health care professional to determine how much supplementation you need.
Some studies suggest that vitamin D supplements may be a promising treatment for IBS, but results are mixed.
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A 2023 analysis found similar evidence for vitamin D supplementation to help reduce IBS symptoms in some people.
However, these reviews had several limitations, including:
- This study included only a small number of clinical trials (4–6 total)
- The clinical trial included a small sample size
- Most trials are conducted in Iran or Egypt, where diets may be different than in the US
Another study found no benefit of vitamin D supplementation for IBS patients.
Research on this topic remains controversial. Some researchers recommend taking vitamin D supplements to reduce IBS symptoms, while others recommend taking vitamin D supplements only for general health reasons.
Further research is needed to confirm the potential benefits of vitamin D supplements for IBS patients. If you have questions about your vitamin D levels, consider asking your health care professional how to test your vitamin D and supplement if needed.
It is recommended that you consult your health care professional regarding your serum levels of vitamin D before supplementing or increasing your intake.
The amount of vitamin D you need from dietary supplements depends on how much you can get from other sources, such as sun exposure and food.
Generally, medical professionals recommend the following average daily intake of vitamin D:
These values assume that most people have minimal exposure to sunlight and therefore require dietary sources of vitamin D.
Consider asking your doctor about vitamin D supplements. They may evaluate your overall health to determine whether you would benefit from supplements or what other sources of vitamin D you should include in your daily life.
There is no evidence to suggest that vitamin D can treat IBS.
Several
- Stressful events early in life
- Mental health conditions such as depression and anxiety
- Bacterial infections of the gastrointestinal tract
- Increase or change in the type of bacteria in the small intestine
- Food intolerances that cause gastrointestinal symptoms
- genetics
Treatment for IBS is aimed at managing and reducing the symptoms you experience. This may include dietary and lifestyle changes, medications, probiotics, mental health therapy, and more.
New research shows that vitamin D deficiency is common in people with IBS. Vitamin D supplements may help reduce IBS symptoms for some people.
However, results have been mixed and further research is needed to investigate the potential benefits of vitamin D supplements for IBS patients.
If you have IBS, talk to your doctor about whether taking vitamin D supplements is right for you.
