TITLE:
Current Insights on Vitamin D Intake, Status and Symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome: A Narrative Review
AUTHORS:
Dolapo Olajumoke Enejoh, Monika Gostic
KEYWORDS:
Vitamin D, Irritable Bowel Syndrome, IBS, IBS Symptoms
JOURNAL NAME:
Open Journal of Gastroenterology,
Vol.14 No.10,
October
31,
2024
ABSTRACT: The association between Vitamin D and IBS has attracted growing interest because of vitamin D’s involvement in immune system function and reduction of inflammation. IBS, a prevalent gastrointestinal condition marked by symptoms such as stomach pain, bloating, and changed bowel habits, implies that sufficient levels of Vitamin D may impact the symptomatology and quality of life associated with IBS. This review aimed to unveil current insights on vitamin D intake, status and symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome. A search was conducted on Embase, Scopus, Medline, and Cochrane Library, as well as a reference list of relevant studies. This paper also examined the current therapeutic practices for using vitamin D in the management of IBS. Although several studies demonstrate a positive association between vitamin D administration and the alleviation of IBS symptoms, the data is not yet definitive. Moreover, the review emphasised the necessity for additional rigorous clinical studies to determine a definitive therapeutic function of vitamin D in IBS based on the literature. The role of vitamin D in the modulation of gut health, particularly in IBS, has garnered significant attention due to its potential impact on both inflammation and the integrity of the gut barrier. Vitamin D, acting as a hormone precursor, is recognised for its crucial involvement in maintaining calcium balance and promoting bone health.