Effect of Vitamin D on Gastrointestinal Symptoms in Patients with IBS Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Study

Abstract Background Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a functional gastrointestinal (GI) disorder, which can affect all members of a society, regardless of age, sex, race or socioeconomic status. Because of its high prevalence and chronic nature, it represents a significant economic burden. In fact, these patients have a relevant impairment of their quality of life, which limits their work productivity and daily social activities, especially when it is associated with other disorders, such as anxiety and depression. Objective To evaluate the Impact of Vitamin D as a potential therapy for treatment of IBS in Egyptian patients. Patients and Methods Our study was conducted on 90 Egyptian patients whose age is more than 18 years and have irritable bowel syndrome. Our study is a randomized placebo-controlled study that was conducted on Gastroenterology outpatient clinic at Ain Shams University Hospital from July 2018 to June 2020. Results There was non-statistical significant difference in baseline and 12 weeks IBSSS in placebo group (P = 0.075). There was non- significance difference between the two groups as regard baseline IBSSS (P = 0.572). However, mean of IBSSS after 12 weeks was lower in intervention group (155.0±53.9) than in placebo group (310.7±82.1) with statistical significance difference (p = 0.001). There was a significant negative correlation between serum vitamin D and baseline IBSSS (r = - 0.455) (P = 0.001). Conclusion High prevalence of Vitamin D deficiency about Egyptian patients with IBS. There was a significant negative correlation between serum vitamin D and baseline IBSSS. Vitamin D may be a potential therapy for treatment of IBS in Egyptian patients.