Vitamin D may ease Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) – research

Supplementing with vitamin D may help relieve the symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) such as cramps, fatigue, anxiety and insomnia, studies show.

And, based on research indicating vitamin D’s positive effect on IBS, a three-year clinical trial is currently underway in the UK to further establish the “sunshine” vitamin’s impact on the syndrome which affects between 10 to 15% of the global population.

The clinical trial follows findings by Dr Bernard Corfe of the University of Sheffield, published in the medical journal BMJ Open Gastroenterology, linking vitamin D deficiency to the severity of IBS symptoms. The research team concluded: “The IBS population exhibits significant levels of vitamin D insufficiency and would benefit from screening and possible supplementation. The impact of IBS on quality of life may be reduced by vitamin D levels”.

Another study published in the Journal of Biological Chemistry found that low levels of vitamin D may increase the risk of the inflammatory bowel condition, Crohn’s disease. According to the research, weak immunity may cause an increased inflammatory response in the bowel, potentially resulting in Crohn’s disease. Vitamin D has been proven to strengthen the immune system and is increasingly being recognized as one of the most important supplements for overall good health.

SA Health and Wellness Expert, Vanessa Ascencao says IBS can be managed effectively. She says incidents are increasing worldwide — particularly in children – affecting sufferers physically, emotionally and financially. Symptoms include mild to severe abdominal pain, diarrhea, fatigue, anxiety, insomnia and low mood.

“Vitamin D supplementation, in addition to a healthy lifestyle and diet, may help manage IBS, relieve symptoms and keep gut inflammation at bay. Vitamin D deficiency is linked to a host of health conditions and studies show that this vitamin is probably the most vital for a strong immune system which underpins good health,” said Ascencao.

She added that clinical trials have shown that oral vitamin D sprays are more far more effective than traditional tablets and capsules. A study by Cardiff University found that BetterYou DLux Vitamin D Oral Spray guaranteed a dramatically better nutritional dosage than traditional tablets, capsules or drops due to quick absorption via the rich system of veins in the inner cheek and under the tongue.

BetterYou DLux Vitamin D Oral Spray is available at leading health stores, pharmacies and Dis-Chem. It is suitable for vegetarians and is safe to use during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

 

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