Vitamin D supplements may help ease the painful symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), a study has found.
IBS is a debilitating functional disorder of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract.
Little is known about why and how the condition develops, although it is known that diet and stress can make symptoms worse.
Scientists from the University of Sheffield in the UK reviewed and integrated all available research on vitamin D and IBS.
The study published in the European Journal of Clinical Nutrition showed a high prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in IBS patients - regardless of their ethnicity.
The team also assessed the possible benefits of vitamin D supplements on IBS symptoms.
The findings suggest that supplements may help to ease symptoms which can include abdominal pain, bloating, diarrhoea and constipation.
Vitamin D was shown to have the most benefit on quality of life in IBS.
"The study provides an insight into the condition and, importantly, a new way to try to manage it," said Bernard Corfe from University of Sheffield.
"It is evident from the findings that all people with IBS should have their vitamin D levels tested and a large majority of them would benefit from supplements," said Corfe, lead author of the study.
"IBS is a poorly understood condition which impacts severely on the quality of life of sufferers. There is no single known cause and likewise no single known cure," he said.
Vitamin D is essential for general wellbeing, including bone health, immune function, mental health as well as gut health, researchers said.
Vitamin D inadequacy can be remedied relatively easily with supplements if diagnosed, they said.
Disclaimer: No Business Standard Journalist was involved in creation of this content
