Colitis is the inflammation of the intestines that is characterized by abdominal bloating and pain, bloody stools, diarrhea, dehydration, fever and chills. Infections, inflammatory disorders such as ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease, irritable bowel syndrome and lack of blood supply to the intestines are the common causes of colitis. Treatment depends upon underlying cause and may include medications and surgery. Certain vitamins and natural supplements may help manage the condition.
Vitamin A
Vitamin A or retinol is a fat-soluble vitamin that helps in the formation and maintenance of healthy skin, bones, teeth and mucous membranes. Several animal studies, such as the one published in the September 2002 edition of the "Journal of Nutrition," have indicated that vitamin A deficiency can cause fibrosis, inflammation and histopathological changes in the colon. The study recommends vitamin A supplements to treat the condition. However, it is best to talk to a doctor before taking the synthetic supplements as an overdose can lead to dizziness, headache, bone pain and liver damage. Eating a diet rich in meats, fish, eggs, milk and milk products is the best way to get vitamin A without any side effects.
B Vitamins
B vitamins are a group of eight water-soluble vitamins including vitamins B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B7, B12 and folic acid that are found in foods such as meat, eggs, poultry, dairy products, green leafy vegetables, beans and peas. B vitamins play an important role in red blood cell formation and in several metabolic processes in the body. The University of Maryland Medical Center (UMMC) also recommends 800mcg of folic acid per day for ulcerative colitis patients as the deficiency of this vitamin has often been associated with the disease. Some of the medications used to treat ulcerative colitis may also cause a drop in blood folic acid levels. The UMMC also states that folic acid supplementation may reduce colitis patients' risk of developing colon cancer.
Vitamin D
Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin that is essential for healthy bones. According to an April 2000 report by BBC News, researchers at Penn State University have found that vitamin D deficiency worsened the symptoms of conditions such as ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease and other inflammatory bowel diseases. Vitamin D deficiency can be avoided by consuming a diet rich in fish, oysters and dairy products. The human body can also produce significant amounts of vitamin D on exposure to sunlight. Individuals who are not exposed to sunlight due to their indoor lifestyles and skin cancer risk may take synthetic vitamin D supplements but dosage instructions should be carefully followed as chronic overuse can lead to kidney stones and muscle pain.
Vitamin E
Vitamin E is another fat-soluble vitamin that has the ability to neutralize harmful free radicals that are formed as a result of various metabolic processes in the body. These antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of vitamin E, as per an article published by Medical News Today in November 2008, may help treat inflammatory bowel conditions such as ulcerative colitis, especially when the vitamin is administered rectally. This procedure may be safe to use with minimal side effects.
References
- "Journal of Nutrition"; Vitamin A Deficiency Exacerbates Inflammation in a Rat Model of Colitis through Activation of Nuclear Factor-κB and Collagen Formation; R. Reifen et al; September 2002
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Ulcerative Colitis
- BBC News: Bowel disease linked to vitamin
- Medical News Today: In Patients With Mild To Moderate Ulcerative Colitis, Can Rectal Vitamin E Induce Remission?
