Vitamin D levels in patients with inflammatory bowel disease

Abstract

Background: Inflammatory Bowell Diseases (IBD), either ulcerative colitis (UC) or Chron's disease (CD) are commonly associated with intestinal malabsorption, and insufficient levels 1-25 hydroxycholecalciferol (vitamin D). These insufficient levels could be linked with an increased risk of clinical disease activity. Aim: To report vitamin D levels in patients with IBD living in Southern Chile and their possible association with clinical disease activity. Material and Methods: A prospective, observational study in outpatients with IBD living in Los Angeles, Chile. Demographic data and clinical activity using clinical scores were recorded. Vitamin D levels and fecal calprotectin were measured. Results: We studied 44 patients, 32 (73%) with UC and 12 (27%) with CD. The median age at diagnosis was 33 years old. Forty-one (93%) had mild-inactive disease and 3 (7%) a moderate disease. Mean vitamin D levels were 15.2 ± 7.1 ng/ml. Twenty five percent of patients had sufficient levels (>20 ng/ml), 35% insufficient levels and 40% poor levels. No association between these levels and disease activity was found. Conclusions: These patients with IBD had a high frequency of hypovitaminosis D.