Ulcerative colitis, or UC, is a disease that causes inflammation of the intestines. Symptoms of UC include bloody diarrhea, fever and abdominal pain. Although UC can occur at any age, it most often affects young adults. An imbalance of the immune system appears to play a role in the development of ulcerative colitis. Conventional treatment includes medication that reduces inflammation, normalizes bowel movements and modulates the immune system. Surgery is recommended in about 30 percent of cases of ulcerative colitis, according to Merck Manual. Talk to your doctor if you have been diagnosed with this condition and are considering taking vitamin D.
About Vitamin D
Vitamin D is produced in the skin when exposed to ultraviolet radiation. Dietary sources of vitamin D include fatty fish, eggs, meat and fortified milk and cereals. This nutrient also is available as an over-the-counter supplement. Vitamin D plays an essential role in bone health and also is involved in the proper function of the immune system and in decreasing inflammation in the body, indicates the National Institutes of Health.
UC and Vitamin D Deficiency
Children diagnosed with ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease have significantly lower levels of vitamin D compared with healthy children, according to a study published in March 2011 issue of "Digestive Diseases and Sciences." This study involved 60 children affected by ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease. The authors did not find a correlation between the severity of symptoms or the bone mineral density with vitamin D levels.
UC Treatment with Vitamin D Agonist
BXL-2, an agonist of vitamin D, significantly improved symptoms of ulcerative colitis, according to a study published in the June 2010 issue of "Immunology Letters." The study was conducted in animal subjects and the authors suggest that this vitamin D agonist compound is more effective than vitamin D and shows promising benefits in the management of ulcerative colitis.
Drug Interactions
Corticosteroids that are sometimes used in the management of ulcerative colitis might impair the metabolism of vitamin D, says the National Institute of Health. Other drugs that interfere with vitamin D are some cholesterol-lowering agents and medication used for weight lose and anti-seizure drugs.
Considerations
Consult a health care provider to find out whether you are deficient in this nutrient, as well as optimal dosage that might help improve your symptoms of UC. A healthy lifestyle and a diet that has limited amounts of raw foods and diary also might decrease the inflammation associated with UC. Keep in mind that vitamin D does not replace and should not be used to replace conventional drugs recommended for ulcerative colitis.
References
- Merck Manuals: Ulcerative Colitis
- National Institutes of Health: Vitamin D
- "Digestive Diseases and Sciences."; Bone Mineral Density, Vitamin D, and Disease Activity in Children Newly Diagnosed with Inflammatory Bowel Disease.; V.El-Matari et al; March 2011
- "Immunology Letters."; Efficacy of a Potent and Safe Vitamin D Receptor Agonist for the Treatment of Inflammatory Bowel Disease; J.Laverny et al; June 2010
