Vitamin D and Crohn's prevention

Increased intake of vitamin D may significantly reduce the risk for Crohn's disease (CD) in women, according to an article published in the March issue of Gastroenterology.

Investigators found that 72,719 vitamin D–sufficient women were 62% less likely to be diagnosed with CD during a 22-year period compared with those deemed deficient. The direct relationship between vitamin D ingestion and reduction in CD risk was not affected by smoking status or contraceptive use. According to the article, results strengthen the rationale for considering vitamin D supplementation both for treatment of active CD or prevention of disease flares.

According to a Mayo Clinic physician not associated with the study, "Many patients are worried about medication safety, so any vitamin that might either reduce the risk of Crohn's or might decrease relapse rates is going to be well received by patients."