The incidence of hypovitaminosis D has been reported to be as high as 75% in patients with IBD. However, it is unclear whether low vitamin D levels contribute to the pathogenesis of IBD or are a consequence of IBD. Recent animal data studies suggest that maintenance of the epithelial barrier integrity in the large intestine by vitamin D is important in preventing IBD.
However, more evidence is required to determine the effect of vitamin D3 supplementation in patients with IBD. Furthermore, there is no clear consensus regarding the appropriate dose of vitamin D supplementation in IBD patients.
