Vitamin d constipation
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Vitamin D and Constipation: Exploring the Connection
Chronic Functional Constipation and Vitamin D Deficiency
Chronic functional constipation is a condition that significantly impacts quality of life and is often linked to intestinal motility disorders. Recent research has highlighted a strong association between vitamin D deficiency and chronic functional constipation. A study involving 86 patients with chronic functional constipation found that these patients had significantly lower levels of serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D compared to healthy controls. This deficiency was also correlated with poorer scores on health-related quality of life and psychological assessments, including anxiety and depression scales1. The study concluded that low vitamin D levels are an independent risk factor for the occurrence of intestinal motility disorders, suggesting that vitamin D serum levels should be routinely measured in these patients1.
Vitamin D and Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
The relationship between vitamin D and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), which often includes constipation as a symptom, has also been explored. A cross-sectional study involving Lebanese adults assessed the association between serum vitamin D levels and IBS symptoms, including constipation. The study found no significant association between serum vitamin D levels and IBS symptoms, including constipation, suggesting that the role of vitamin D in IBS may be more complex and warrants further investigation2.
Impact of Vitamin D Supplementation on Constipation
The efficacy of vitamin D supplementation in managing chronic constipation has been a subject of interest. A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials aimed to evaluate the effect of food, vitamin, or mineral supplements on stool output, gut transit time, symptoms, and quality of life in adults with chronic constipation. However, the results regarding the specific impact of vitamin D supplementation were not detailed in the provided data, indicating a need for more focused research in this area3.
Risks of Vitamin D Overdose
While vitamin D is essential, excessive intake can lead to adverse effects, including constipation. A case study reported vitamin D intoxication in a 35-day-old infant who was administered an excessive dose of vitamin D, resulting in constipation among other symptoms. The condition was resolved with intravenous hydration and cessation of vitamin D supplementation4. Another case involved a 58-year-old woman who experienced constipation and other symptoms due to vitamin D intoxication from a dietary supplement5. These cases underscore the importance of appropriate dosing and monitoring of vitamin D intake.
Conclusion
The connection between vitamin D and constipation is multifaceted. While vitamin D deficiency is strongly associated with chronic functional constipation and intestinal motility disorders, the role of vitamin D in IBS-related constipation remains unclear. Moreover, excessive vitamin D intake can lead to constipation, highlighting the need for balanced supplementation. Routine measurement of vitamin D levels in patients with chronic constipation may be beneficial, but further research is needed to fully understand the therapeutic potential and risks of vitamin D in managing constipation.
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Most relevant research papers on this topic
Chronic functional constipation is strongly linked to vitamin D deficiency
Low vitamin D levels and anxiety and depression symptoms are commonly associated with chronic functional constipation caused by intestinal motility disorders.
Observational Study
Rigorous JournalAssociation between Serum Vitamin D and Irritable Bowel Syndrome Symptoms in a Sample of Adults
Serum Vitamin D levels were not associated with irritable bowel syndrome symptoms in a sample of Lebanese adults.
Observational Study
Very Rigorous JournalThe effect of food, vitamin, or mineral supplements on chronic constipation in adults: A systematic review and meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials
Food, vitamin, and mineral supplements show mixed results in improving stool output, gut transit time, symptoms, and quality of life for adults with chronic constipation.
Meta-AnalysisProfilassi con vitamina D nel lattante: l’importanza di capirsi bene
Intoxication from vitamin D in a 35-day infant was resolved with intravenous hydration and suspension of supplementation, highlighting the importance of correctly understanding prescriptions in vulnerable families.
Case ReportDietary supplement-induced vitamin D intoxication.
Dietary supplements can cause vitamin D intoxication, causing fatigue, constipation, back pain, forgetfulness, nausea, and vomiting, and should be carefully evaluated for potential risks.
Case ReportThe Crosstalk between Vitamin D and Pediatric Digestive Disorders
Vitamin D supplementation may enhance H. pylori eradication rates, improve gut barrier integrity, and may help manage cystic fibrosis, inflammatory bowel disease, and food allergies.
Rigorous JournalIntestinal absorption of vitamin D: a systematic review
Vitamin D absorption involves passive diffusion and membrane carriers, with some data suggesting that fat consumption with vitamin D improves absorption.
Systematic Review
Highly CitedEffect of Vitamin D Supplementation on Faecal Microbiota: A Randomised Clinical Trial
Vitamin D supplementation has distinct effects on faecal microbiota, with higher abundance of Lachnospira and lower abundance of Blautia, but no significant difference in microbiome -diversity.
RCTVery Rigorous JournalEffects of oral vitamin D supplementation on inflammatory bowel disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
Oral vitamin D supplementation may have a role in therapeutic management of inflammatory bowel disease, increasing serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels and decreasing C-reactive protein levels, but not reducing disease activity index or relapse rate.
Meta-AnalysisVitamin D in Inflammatory Bowel Diseases. Mechanisms of Action and Therapeutic Implications
Vitamin D plays a central role in Inflammatory Bowel Diseases (IBD), improving intestinal barrier integrity and modulating inflammation, with low levels correlating with disease activity and undefined therapeutic implications.
Systematic ReviewVery Rigorous JournalHighly Cited