Low vitamin D harms bones of IBD patients

MONDAY JULY 14, 2007 (foodconsumer.org) -- Maintaining adequate levels of vitamin D in the body may help ward off bone disease in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), according to a new study in the June issue of the American Journal of Gastroenterology.

IBD is a group of inflammatory conditions of the large intestine with symptoms including abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhea, hematochezia (bright red blood in stools), and weight loss.

Osteoporosis and fractures are more often seen in patients with IBD. But it is unknown if vitamin D status plays a role in the risk of bone disease.

Dr. William D. Leslie from the University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada and colleagues measured bone mineral density and vitamin D in a group of 101 subjects.

They found that only 22 had optimal vitamin D levels, and higher vitamin D levels were associated with higher bone density.

 
By Sue Mueller, and edited by Heather Kelley.
Jul 14, 2008 - 4:47:38 AM