Oral Presentation Joint Annual Scientific Meeting of the Nutrition Society of NZ and the Nutrition Society of Australia

25-hydroxyvitamin D levels are lower in New Zealand residents with active inflammatory bowel disease  (347)

Hannah Morton 1 , Jane Coad 1 , Kevin C Pedley 1
  1. Massey Institute of Food Science and Technology, School of Food and Nutrition, College of Health, Massey University, Palmerston North

Background/Aims: Individuals with IBD (Crohn’s Disease (CD) and Ulcerative Colitis (UC)) may be at risk of low vitamin D levels due to reduced absorption, use of sun-sensitising medications, and increased requirements. Low vitamin D levels in IBD have been associated with greater disease activity and longer disease duration.
Methods: 186 men and women with IBD, and 126 healthy controls, provided a blood spot sample to measure serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D level. 198 of these participants completed a retrospective questionnaire containing demographic data, sunlight exposure habits, vitamin D supplementation, and disease activity. Difference between groups was tested using ANOVA; frequency of vitamin D deficiency and adequacy was tested using Chi-Square. 
Results: No differences were observed between vitamin D level and disease, latitude, or sun exposure hours. Lower vitamin D was significantly associated with recent disease activity in patients with CD (66.0 ± 3.4; P=0.011), but not UC, and in IBD after controlling for supplementation (57.8 ± 3.1; P=0.018). Higher vitamin D was significantly associated with supplement use (82.3 ± 3.9; P<0.01) and recent increased sun exposure (73.6 ± 2.5; P<0.01). 
Conclusions: Vitamin D Supplementation should be considered both during and in the 12 months following flare up of disease activity in IBD. 
Funding Sources: New Zealand Federation for Graduate Women and Massey University Postgraduate Research Support.