Researchers from the Mayo Clinic in the United States examined 48 people with inflammatory bowel disease who had low levels of vitamin D.
The participants received vitamin D weekly for 12 weeks, according to the study published in Cell Reports Medicine.
During the study, the researchers analyzed blood and stool samples to observe how the body responded to bacteria in the gut.
The goal was to understand how the immune system and gut bacteria interact with each other.
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Changes in the body
After the treatment period, the researchers found signs of changes in the immune system.
Levels of a substance associated with protection in the body increased, while another substance often linked to inflammation decreased.
The researchers also observed signs that some immune cells became more active. These cells normally help the body keep inflammation under control.
According to SciTechDaily, the findings may therefore indicate that vitamin D can help support a better balance between the immune system and gut bacteria.
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The results are uncertain
However, the researchers emphasize that the study was small, and the results do not prove that vitamin D alone improves the disease.
Improvements were also observed in the participants’ disease activity and signs of reduced inflammation, but the researchers believe that larger studies are needed.
Vitamin D may potentially play a role in the treatment of inflammatory bowel diseases in the future.
Sources: SciTechDaily and Cell Reports Medicine.
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