How vitamin D helps the gut protect itself in IBD
A small study suggests vitamin D shifts the immune system from attacking gut bacteria to tolerating them. How vitamin D rebalances gut immunity in IBD Most inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) treatments, such as steroids, immunosuppressants, and biologics, work by reducing inflammation. A new study suggests vitamin D may go beyond this by retraining the immune system to tolerate gut bacteria instead of attacking them. Researchers gave weekly vitamin D doses to 48 adults with Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis who were also vitamin D deficient. After 12 weeks, participants showed lower disease activity scores, reduced stool-based markers of inflammation, and a notable shift in two key immune proteins. "The study suggests that vitamin D supplementation may have a role as a beneficial adjunct to current advanced therapy," said Steven Cohn, MD, PhD, chief of gastroente...
