Patterns of vitamin D testing and supplementation for children with inflammatory bowel disease in Australasia
JGH Open . 2024 Mar 4;8(3):e13041. doi: 10.1002/jgh3.13041
Angharad Vernon-Roberts 1, Andrew S Day 1; PEDiatric Australasian Gastroenterology REsearch NEtwork (PEDAGREE)
Background and aim: For children with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), optimal levels of vitamin D are ascribed anti-inflammatory and essential immune system roles that are associated with reduced disease activity, lower postoperative recurrence, and higher quality of life. International guidelines for vitamin D testing and supplementation provide inconsistent recommendations. The aim of this study was to survey Australasian pediatric gastroenterologists to ascertain current practices of vitamin D testing and supplementation for children with IBD.
Methods: Members of the Australian Society of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition were invited to complete an online survey. Respondents were asked to provide information on frequency of vitamin D testing and supplementation, adherence, and benefits of vitamin D to children with IBD.
Results: Thirty-two (54%) pediatric gastroenterologists completed the survey: 27 (84%) from Australia and 5 (16%) from New Zealand. The majority (90%) tested vitamin D levels at diagnosis and follow up, although testing frequency varied (1-3 times/year) and only 8 (28%) tested seasonally. While 28 (88%) recommended supplementation based on serum levels, inconsistent cutoff values were used. Most respondents (n = 27) recommended Stoss (single dose) or vitamin D3 (daily for 8-12 weeks). The majority (84%) rated the overall benefit of optimal vitamin D levels at ≥6/10, although fewer (54%) rated the benefit to disease activity at ≥6/10.
Conclusions: The results indicate that standardized guidelines for vitamin D testing and supplementation for clinicians caring for children with IBD throughout Australasia are required. Consensus statements may optimize the care of children with IBD in this diverse geographical region.
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VitaminDWiki -Vitamin D interactions with poor gut (Celiac, IBD, and Bariatric surgery) – several studies
includes IBD best practice advice includes Vitamin D - Jan 2024
VitaminDWiki – Overview Gut and vitamin D contains gut-friendly information
Getting Vitamin D into your body has the following chart
Getting Vitamin D into your body also has the following
If poorly functioning gut
Bio-D-Mulsion Forte – especially made for those with poorly functioning guts, or perhaps lacking gallbladder
Sublingual – goes directly into the bloodstream
Fat-soluble Vitamins go thru the slow lymph system
you can make your own sublingual by dissolving Vitamin D in water or use nano form
Oil: 1 drop typically contains 400 IU, 1,000 IU, or 4,000 IU, typically not taste good
Topical – goes directly into the bloodstream. Put oil on your skin, Use Aloe vera cream with Vitamin D, or make your own
Vaginal – goes directly into the bloodstream. Prescription-only?
Bio-Tech might be useful – it is also water-soluble
Vitamin D sprayed inside cheeks (buccal spray) - several studies
and, those people with malabsorption problems had a larger response to spray
Inject Vitamin D quarterly into muscle, into vein, or perhaps into body cavity if quickly needed
Nanoparticles could be used to increase vitamin D getting to the gut – Oct 2015
Poor guts need different forms of vitamin D has the following
Guesses of Vitamin D response if poor gut
| Bio | Form | Speed | Duration |
| 10 | Injection ($$$) or Calcidiol or Calcitriol | D - Slow C -Fast | Long |
| 10 | Sun/UVB | Slow | Long |
| 10 | Topical (skin patch/cream, vagina) | Slow Fast nano | Normal |
| 9 | Nanoemulsion -mucosal perhaps activates VDR | Fast | Normal |
| 9? | Inhaled (future) | Fast | Normal |
| 8 | Bio-D-Mulsion Forte | Normal | Normal |
| 6 | Water soluble (Bio-Tech) | Normal | Normal |
| 4 | Sublingual/spray (some goes into gut) | Fast | Normal |
| 3 | Coconut oil based | Slow | Normal |
| 2 | Food (salmon etc.) | Slow | Normal |
| 2 | Olive oil based (majority) | Slow | Normal |
10= best bioavailable, 0 = worst, guesses have a range of +-2
Speed: Fast ~2-6 hours, Slow ~10-30 hours
Duration: Long ~3-6 months, Normal = ~2 months