We all know the importance of vitamin D for a healthy immune system, strong bones and teeth. But recent research has suggested that high-dose vitamin D3 supplements may also help those suffering with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) who are deficient in vitamin D.
Read on to learn more about vitamin D, IBS, and how people diagnosed with IBS could benefit from boosting their essential nutrient levels with fast-absorbing vitamins.
In this guide:
What is Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)?
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is the most common disorder affecting the digestive system. Around one-third of the UK population experiences symptoms of IBS, which can include:
- Stomach cramps
- Bloating
- Diarrhoea
- Constipation
- Tiredness
Not everyone experiences the same symptoms. Though reactions can vary, irritable bowel syndrome can be extremely frustrating to live with.
While the cause of IBS is still unknown, it’s often linked to oversensitive nerves in the gut, stress and family history.
If you think you might be struggling with IBS, consult your GP for advice. They’ll often check for alternative issues too, such as coeliac disease and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).
IBS and Vitamin D Deficiency
A study published by the BMJ Open Gastroenterology discovered a significant connection between IBS and vitamin D deficiency.
Led by Dr Bernard Corfe, researchers from the University of Sheffield's Molecular Gastroenterology Research Group investigated the association between vitamin D levels and the severity of IBS symptoms. Particularly, the extent to which IBS affects their quality of life.
IBS accounts for 10 per cent of visits to GP surgeries. It has a significant and escalating burden on society as a consequence of lost work days and time spent at regular hospital appointments.
Dr Bernard Corfe’s study, which is the first of its kind, found that out of 51 IBS patients tested, 82 per cent exhibited insufficient vitamin D levels and were considered low in vitamin D.
As a result, researchers suggested that patients take a high-dose vitamin D3 supplement to help replenish their vitamin D levels.
Does Vitamin D Help IBS?
How does vitamin D help IBS? While there’s currently no evidence that vitamin D can improve IBS symptoms directly, medical experts suggest that the impact of IBS on a patient’s quality of life may be reduced by improving their vitamin D levels.
According to Dr Bernard Corfe’s study, vitamin D supplements are recommended to improve vitamin D deficiency, which is common among IBS sufferers and linked to poor quality of life.
Vitamin D is a vital nutrient that helps support various essential body functions, from maintaining healthy bones, teeth and muscles, to boosting the immune system. By aiding the immune system, vitamin D can help protect us from feeling run down by common colds and illnesses, which can have a knock-on effect on our overall physical and mental wellbeing.
BetterYou Know
Vitamin D deficiency can be easily corrected by supplementation and simple lifestyle changes. Taking just one spray a day of one of our oral sprays and spending more time outdoors can boost vitamin D levels and have a positive impact on quality of life.
Our vitamin sprays are absorbed directly into the bloodstream via the rich vein system, located just under the surface of the buccal membrane of the inner mouth.
Unlike swallowing tablet and capsule supplements, they avoid traditional gastrointestinal vitamin absorption. This makes them a convenient and fast-acting alternative for those who may have trouble absorbing vitamins and supplements through the digestive system – such as people diagnosed with IBS.
Learn more about the benefits of vitamin D
A Better Way to a BetterYou
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