Vitamin D Supplementation Reduces Corticosteroid Use and Acute Care Utilization in IBD

Vitamin D deficiency is highly prevalent among patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and has been linked to worsened outcomes. In a real-world observational study, the authors evaluated whether vitamin D supplementation is associated with reduced reliance on corticosteroids, and decreased emergency department (ED) visits and hospitalizations.

In a cohort of 5021 patients (median age 63 years; 89% male; 58% ulcerative colitis; 39% Crohn disease; 3% indeterminate colitis), the median serum 25‑hydroxy‑vitamin D level was 23 ng/mL. Approximately 41% received vitamin D supplementation.

Vitamin D supplementation was linked to a 25% relative reduction in corticosteroid prescriptions, a 34% relative reduction in ED visits, and a striking 53% relative reduction in hospitalizations—all statistically significant outcomes.

These data, derived from routine clinical practice, suggest that vitamin D supplementation may lessen acute disease flares, reduce dependence on systemic steroids, and lower health care utilization burden among IBD patients.

The study’s observational nature underscores the need for prospective controlled trials to confirm causality, determine optimal dosing strategies, and guide future clinical guidelines, the authors concluded.

Reference:

Sninsky JA, Sansgiry S, Taylor T, Perrin M, Kanwal F, Hou JK. The real-world impact of vitamin D supplementation on inflammatory bowel disease clinical outcomes. Clin Gastroenterol Hepatol. Articles in Press July 22, 2025;S1542-3565(25)00624-X.