Researchers from Pennsylvania State University note that "Anecdotal data suggest that the amount of vitamin D available in the environment either from sunshine exposure or diet may be an important factor affecting the development of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) in humans."
They decided to test the theory in animal experiments by using mice genetically predisposed to develop symptoms resembling human IBD. The mice were separated into 3 groups.
One group was made vitamin D deficient
Another group was kept vitamin D sufficient
Vitamin D deficient mice rapidly developed diarrhea and a wasting disease, leading to death.
The vitamin D sufficient mice did not develop diarrhea, waste or die.
However, mice who received the active vitamin D supplement had their symptoms of IBD significantly reduced in as little as 2 weeks. It also blocked the further progression of the disease.
Journal of Nutrition. 2000;130:2648-2652
This form of vitamin D is only available as a prescription and it is called Rocaltrol. It is typically used for kidney failure patients as that is where the second hydroxylation occurs to make the pro hormone vitamin active to the real hormone vitamin D.
For those with inflammatory bowel disease who are not responsive to the eating plan this might be something to consider. Additionally I have seen some patients with IBD improve with Probiotics.
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