Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) refers to a group of chronic conditions characterized by persistent inflammation of the intestinal tract. The inflammation is typically relapsing and may lead to ulceration and, over time, the formation of scar tissue. The term inflammatory bowel disease primarily includes two conditions: Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis.
A study published in the Nutrition (e-published ahead of print April 8, 2011) examined vitamin K status in patients with inflammatory bowel disease. Researchers measured levels of undercarboxylated osteocalcin—a marker commonly used to assess vitamin K deficiency—in 47 patients with Crohn’s disease and 40 patients with ulcerative colitis.
Levels of undercarboxylated osteocalcin were significantly higher in both groups compared with healthy controls, suggesting reduced vitamin K status in patients with IBD. Among those with Crohn’s disease, the degree of vitamin K deficiency was proportional to disease severity. The study also found that vitamin D levels were lower in patients with inflammatory bowel disease compared with healthy controls.
