How common is vitamin D deficiency with Celiac Disease?
Response: Vitamin D deficiency is very common in patients with Celiac disease. We have found in my clinic that patients who are vitamin D deficient and treated for vitamin D deficiency and don’t respond often suffer from Celiac disease. Celiac disease is not always obvious and often is asymptomatic. The first evidence that a patient has Celiac disease is when we find that they cannot correct their vitamin D deficiency by taking vitamin D orally. Once Celiac disease is identified and the patient is put on a gluten free diet, they do well and now can absorb vitamin D and their vitamin D deficiency is easily treated. Have there been any studies related to immunocompromised patients (i.e. AIDS) and vitamin D deficiency? Response: There have been a few studies looking at vitamin D status in immunocompromised patients including patients who have had organ transplantation such as heart, lung and kidneys as well patients who suffer from AIDS. The medications that these patients are on increase
