Review article: vitamin D and inflammatory bowel disease - established concepts and future directions

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Understanding of the role of vitamin D in health and disease has increased markedly in the past decade, with its involvement extending well beyond traditional roles in calcium and phosphate homeostasis and musculoskeletal health. This conceptual expansion has been underpinned by identification and exploration of components of this axis including vitamin D-binding protein, key enzymes and receptors in multiple cell types, and a greater recognition of nonclassical autocrine and paracrine effects. Its influence in IBD remains uncertain. AIM: To review the role of vitamin D in bone health, immune regulation and cancer prevention in IBD, and to outline practical issues and limitations..