Six weeks ago I was diagnosed with a vitamin D deficiency where my levels were less than half of what they should've been so they were VERY low! This explains why I was feeling so exhausted all the time to the point I didn't want to move my limbs. So, I got prescribed a strong supplement to take once a week for 3 months..
Unexpectedly my IBS has vastly improved following taking these supplements. I looked it up online and found scientific research that states that IBS is very common in those with vitamin D deficiencies and symptoms improved upon increasingly levels of vitamin D.
Before I was diagnosed with the deficiency my bowel movements were the worst they ever were. For months I was ill most mornings for no reason (as I hadn't eaten any of my trigger foods) and I was getting really upset over it. Now I haven't had any loose stools since and have gotten out of the habit of needing the loo 20 minutes after eating breakfast every day. It's taken some getting used to feeling rather normal again!
Therefore, I highly recommend if you're struggling with your IBS and feel very fatigued and have other symptoms like lack of concentration and hair loss (like me) go to your doctor and check your vitamin D levels. You may be lucky like me and have the chance to improve your IBS for the better.
I just thought I'd share this with you all as I had no clue how this deficiency could impact my IBS!
Written by
Kweh123
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My vitamin D levels are rock bottom , I have IBS which involves constipation or the runs neither as you will know are good , however when I take vitamin D which I should do I find they constipate me and when I have looked up vitamin D it say's one of the side effects is constipation so I am struggling trying to take them as I don't know which is worse constipation or the runs , neither to be honest
I hope once you have taken your course of vitamin D you will certainly feel you have more energy and your IBS will stay settled
Thanks lulu-1! I tend to get IBS-d and some days I would take IBS-c over anything but I know how uncomfortable it can be! We just can't win! You should keep up with the pills though as vitamin D is involved in the immune system and so much more in your body. I hope the constipation subsides and you feel better! x
Thanks Yeah that's true! I went out quite a bit during that heatwave we had but I plastered myself with sunscreen as I didn't want to get burnt so I didn't do myself any favours (although I didn't know that I had it then but was suffering from the bad fatigue). Yeah vitamin D seems to be involved in so much in the human body it's fascinating really! I hope it prevents me from getting sick this winter lol x
I was prescribed 20,000 IU to take once a week for 15 weeks and then I'll switch to daily doses of 1000 IU. I think within a week I noticed a difference. At first I put it down to taking peppermint tablets before my meals but I gave up with those and realised it was the supplements helping me after all. Fingers crossed it helps you!
vitamin d can cause constipation? Yikes. Ive been trying to manage my symptoms and heard vitamin d is worth a try. Ive been constipated for 2 weeks. I need to wade through this site a bit more. Thanks for pointing this out.
Its generally recommended for people in the northern hemisphere to supplement with vit d in winter as quite a few are difficient during this season. Some IBS/IBD people have difficulty in absorbing this nutrient in the conventional manner for some reason. I personally have to supplement every winter as mine drops during the summer and I'm outside a lot. Most vit D is from the sun. Very little is obtained from diet but it does help a bit.
Please note however do not over supplement as vit D in high levels can be toxic
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