Inflammatory Bowel Disease and Vitamin D

Vitamin D contributes to bone metabolism and acts as an immune modulator for both innate and adaptive immunity. The serum level of vitamin D has been associated with inflammatory diseases, such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). In epidemiologic studies, IBD patients have been shown to have low levels of vitamin D. The suboptimal circulating levels of vitamin D in IBD patients may be caused by low exposure to sunlight, dietary malabsorption, and the impaired conversion of active metabolites (1,25[OH](2)D). Recent studies have demonstrated that vitamin D deficiency in IBD can increase the chance of disease recurrence, IBD-related hospitalization or surgery, and deterioration of quality of life. Supplementation with vitamin D is therefore thought to reduce the risk of flare-ups and the improvement of the quality of life in IBD patients. This review aims to summarize the latest knowledge on the effects of vitamin D deficiency on IBD and the possible benefits of vitamin D supplementation in IBD patients.