Recent research suggests there may be a concerning lack of Vitamin D in the diets of people throughout the Western world. Many of us are aware how important it is we get enough Vitamin C, but we should look to ensure our intake of all vitamins is adequate – not least Vitamin D. Often referred to as the ‘sunshine vitamin’ owing to its natural absorption into the body along with sunlight, it plays a critical role in us maintaining healthy lives; should its intake be too low it can leave us open to experiencing unpleasant and dangerous physical conditions at their worst…

Irritable bowel syndrome

A chronic intestinal disorder affecting as much as 15% of the population in the West, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) apparently also accounts for 10% of all doctor’s surgery visits. The link between Vitamin D and IBS then? Well, many of its sufferers tend to consume low amounts of the vitamin – andthose who consume the least usually suffer the worst symptoms.

According to researchers at the University of Sheffield, however, a good way for an IBS sufferer to raise their Vitamin D level is to take high-dose Vitamin D3 supplements. The researchers came to this conclusion after testing 51 IBS patients, the results informing them that 42 of the patients (82%) were lacking in the vitamin. Indeed, those who had the lowest levels of Vitamin D in their bodyalso complained that the disorder upset their everyday life most (Source: BMJ Open Gastroenterology, 2015; e000052).

That said, we don’t advocate the idea of taking Vitamin D by itself to cure IBS. In fact, we think that those who set out taking Vitamin D supplements with that in mind will be likely disappointed. Instead, we suggest people with IBS would greatly benefit from taking Vitamin D as a part of their overall health restoration programme.

Crohn’s disease

Another chronic gut condition,Crohn’s disease sees constant inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract, but it seems Vitamin D supplements can aid its sufferers because they strengthen the gut wall, reducing the likelihood of leaky gut, one of the disorder’s characteristics.

This has been proved by researchers at St. James’s Hospital in Dublin, whom over a three-month period gave 27 subjects with Crohn’s either Vitamin D supplements – 2,000International units(IUs) a day – or a placebo. They found that those who’d taken the supplements experienced less intestinal permeability and less inflammation. Plus, they reported a better quality of life while taking the supplements (Source: United European Gastroenterology Journal, 2015; 3(3): 294).

Multiple sclerosis

Symptoms of multiple sclerosis (MS), the on-off debilitating disease of the nervous system, canalso beregulated by taking high doses of Vitamin D3, it appears.

In a test byresearchers from John Hopkins Multiple Sclerosis Centre, out of 40 sufferers some were given 10,400 IUs of Vitamin Don a daily basis over six months, while others were given just 800 IUs. Those who consumed the higher dose saw the largest reduction in the percentage of inflammatory T cells, which are suspected to result in most MS symptoms, while these test subjects were also those best able to regulate their hyperactive immune response (Source: Neurology, 2015; doi: 10.1212/WNL.00000000000002316).

It’s quite clear then that increased Vitamin D intake can play a significant role in lessening the debilitating effects of major illnesses such as IBS, Crohn’s disease and MS. Now, you may point out – and you’d be quite right to do so – that people can gain increased levels of the vitamin merely by allowing their bodies to absorb more sun in the summer months, but the health drawbacks of exposing skin for too long to the sun (and its harmful ultra-violet rays) are also well known. The answer then comes in the shape of high-dose Vitamin D supplements. And two such supplements we highly recommend are Suntrex and Vitamin D3 5,000IU with Vitamin K2, both of which are available through The Finchley Clinic. It’s important to note, however, that Vitamin D levels won’t simply be restored overnight via Vitamin D supplements– the latter usually has to be taken for several months for its full benefits to be achieved.