Effects of Vitamin D Supplementation in Patients with Irritable Bowel Syndrome: A Randomized, Double‑Blind, Placebo‑Controlled Clinical Trial

Abstract

Objective: There are some evidence that Vitamin D supplementation may be benefcial for patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of Vitamin D supplementation on symptoms and quality of life (QOL) in patients with IBS.

Methods: In a randomized, double‑blind, placebo‑controlled clinical trial, 116 patients with IBS were supplemented weekly with either a pearl of 50,000 IU Vitamin D or an identical pearl of placebo containing medium chain triglyceride for 6 weeks.

Results: Mean age of patients was 42.24 ± 12.26, and 40.06 ± 13.37 in Vitamin D and placebo groups, respectively. Dietary intakes were similar between and within groups. Serum concentration of 25‑hydroxy Vitamin D increased signifcantly from 21.10 ± 5.23 to 36.43 ± 12.34 in the Vitamin D group (P < 0.001), while it was not signifcantly different before and after the trial in placebo group. The IBS symptoms severity scores (SSSs), disease‑specifc QOL, and total score were evaluated at weeks 0 and 6. IBS‑SSS, IBS‑QOL, and the total score were improved signifcantly more in Vitamin D group in comparison to the placebo group (P < 0.05).

Conclusions: This study indicates that Vitamin D therapy can improve the severity of symptoms and QOL in patients with IBS; however, the long‑term effects remained to be elucidated. Trial registration at IRCT: IRCT201402234010N11 IRB Number: 116/3976

Keywords: Clinical trial, irritable bowel syndrome, quality of life, supplementation, Vitamin D