Vitamin D Deficiency Common In Patients With IBD, Chronic Liver Disease

October 13, 2008

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/10/081006092645.htm

ScienceDaily (Oct. 13, 2008) — New research presented at the 73rd Annual

Scientific Meeting of the American College of Gastroenterology in Orlando found

patients with inflammatory bowel disease or chronic liver disease were at

increased risk of developing Vitamin D deficiencies. Two separate studies

highlight the importance of regular Vitamin D checkups in the evaluation of

patients with certain digestive diseases.

For IBD Patients, Vitamin D Deficiency Associated with Lower Quality of Life and

Higher Disease Activity

Researchers at the Medical College of Wisconsin investigated whether Vitamin D

deficiency in patients with IBD is associated with a lower quality of life or

higher disease activity independent of other known risk factors and medication

use.

Disease activity and quality of life were assessed using validated

questionnaires, which were administered at every clinic visit. The researchers

also looked at the prevalence and seasonality of Vitamin D deficiency in this

inflammatory bowel disease population, as well as its association with

IBD-related hospitalizations, surgeries and medication use.

This retrospective cohort study conducted by Dr. Ulitsky and his colleagues

analyzed vitamin D levels of 504 inflammatory bowel disease patients. They

recorded the patients' lowest Vitamin D measurements and date when each low

measurement was taken.

Dr. Ulitsky and his team found almost 50 percent of the patients were Vitamin D

deficient at some point, with 11 percent being severely deficient. Vitamin D

deficiency was not significantly associated with being hospitalized for IBD or

having IBD-related surgeries. However, in both Crohn's disease (CD) and

ulcerative colitis (UC) patients, vitamin D deficiency was independently

associated with having increased disease activity scores compared to those with

normal levels of Vitamin D. Vitamin D deficient CD patients, but not UC

patients, had worse quality of life when compared to patients who were not

Vitamin D deficient.

According to Dr. Ulitsky, " All IBD patients, irrespective of their disease,

disease location or nature should have their Vitamin D levels checked regularly

and corrected aggressively when insufficiency is found. "

Vitamin D Deficiency Prevalent in Patients with Chronic Liver Disease

Researchers from the University of Tennessee in Memphis measured the vitamin D

levels of 118 chronic liver disease patients. Researchers found 92.4 percent of

chronic liver patients had some degree of vitamin D deficiency and at least one

third were severely deficient. Severe vitamin D deficiency was more common among

cirrhotics.

" Since deficiency is common among these patients, Vitamin D replacement may

hopefully prevent osteoporosis and other bone complications related to end stage

liver disease, " said lead researcher Dr. Satheesh P. Nair.

The study included 43 hepatitis C patients with cirrhosis; 57 hepatitis C

patients without cirrhosis; 18 cirrhosis patients without hepatitis C. The

severity of vitamin D deficiency was divided into three groups: mild (between

20-32 ng/ml), moderate (between 7-20 ng/ml), and severe (less than 7 ng/ml).

Importance of Vitamin D and Bone Health

Vitamin D, a fat-soluble vitamin, helps the body absorb calcium and plays a

crucial role in the growth and maintenance of strong, healthy bones. A lack of

vitamin D causes calcium-depleted bone, which can weaken the bones and increase

the risk of fractures resulting from osteoporosis.

A diet rich in vitamin D, such as fish, eggs, fortified milk, and cod liver oil,

is essential to maintaining good bone health.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Adapted from materials provided by American College of Gastroenterology, via

EurekAlert!, a service of AAAS.

October 13, 2008