Vitamin D Supplementation May Improve Quality of Life in IBS Patients, finds research

A recent systematic review and meta-analysis published in the journal of Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition highlighted the potential role of vitamin D in improving quality of life for individuals with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). While many individuals with IBS show insufficient or deficient levels of serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D], whether increasing vitamin D intake can lead to improvements in symptom severity and overall well-being still remains unanswered.

This research evaluated the changes in vitamin D intake or serum levels that could positively affect IBS-related symptoms and quality of life. After a systematic search of multiple databases, including MEDLINE®, Cochrane, and EMBASE, up until August 12, 2024 relevant data was gathered. In total, 12 studies comprising 15 articles made the cut for the final analysis.

Meticulous data extraction was performed according to the PRISMA guidelines to ensure a thorough and structured approach. For randomized controlled trials (RCTs), the Nutrition Quality Evaluation Strengthening Tools were used to assess potential bias, while meta-analyses employed random effects models to evaluate pooled results.

Among the 12 included studies, a majority of the populations had deficient or insufficient baseline serum 25(OH)D levels. The intervention periods varied, with vitamin D supplementation ranging from daily doses of 3,000 IU to bi-weekly doses of 50,000 IU over 6 to 26 weeks. The meta-analysis of low-risk RCTs demonstrated a significant increase in serum vitamin D levels in individuals who received supplementation when compared to placebo groups. The pooled mean difference for serum 25(OH)D levels was 20.33 ng/mL that confirmed the efficacy of supplementation in raising vitamin D status. The significant improvements were observed among populations with deficient baseline vitamin D levels in terms of quality of life. The pooled results showed a positive shift in quality of life scores by indicating that restoring vitamin D levels can contribute to improved well-being in IBS patients.

However, the impact on IBS symptom severity was less clear. The meta-analysis showed a trend toward reduced symptom severity, but the results were not statistically significant. The high heterogeneity (I2 = 92.8%) in the data suggests that further research is needed to better understand the variability in outcomes. Overall, the study provides evidence that vitamin D supplementation can improve serum 25(OH)D levels and quality of life in IBS patients with initially low levels of the vitamin. 

Reference:

Cara, K. C., Taylor, S. F., Alhmly, H. F., & Wallace, T. C. (2024). The effects of vitamin D intake and status on symptom severity and quality-of-life in adults with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS): a systematic review and meta-analysis. In Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition (pp. 1–14). Informa UK Limited. https://doi.org/10.1080/10408398.2024.2400603