Vitamina D en la curación mucosa: potencial terapéutico y evidencia actual en la enfermedad inflamatoria intestinal

aims to restore the integrity of inflamed mucosae and is associated with improved clinical outcomes. However, most clinical studies rely primarily on clinical indices rather than direct endoscopic or histologic assessment of MH, and the optimal vitamin D (VD) dosing required to achieve true MH remains unclear. This review aims to examine the diverse functions of VD in modulating pathways relevant to MH within the context of IBD, highlighting its role in immune modulation, intestinal barrier integrity, and gut microbiota composition, and to discuss its potential therapeutic value in IBD management. Relevant experimental, translational, and human clinical studies focusing on VD status, supplementation, and mechanisms related to MH, immune regulation, and intestinal barrier function in IBD were considered. MH involves epithelial restitution, cell proliferation, and differentiation, and its achievement has been associated with reduced symptoms, lower relapse rates, and decreased need for surgical interventions. Beyond its traditional role in bone health, VD plays a critical role in preserving intestinal barrier integrity and regulating immune homeostasis. While biological evidence indicates that VD modulates immune responses, enhances tight junction integrity, and influences gut microbiota composition, clinical data primarily support its role in improving clinical and biochemical disease activity rather than definitively inducing mucosal repair. This review highlights VD as a relevant immunomodulatory and barrier-protective factor with potential complementary value in the clinical management of patients with IBD. Plain Language Summary: Vitamin D and intestinal healing in inflammatory bowel disease Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), which includes Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, is a chronic condition that causes inflammation in the digestive tract. People living with IBD often experience abdominal pain, diarrhea, fatigue, and reduced quality of life. Although several treatments exist, there is currently no cure. One important treatment goal is “mucosal healing,” which means repairing the lining of the intestine and reducing inflammation to prevent relapses and complications. Vitamin D is best known for its role in bone health, but growing evidence shows that it also plays an important role in immune function and gut health. Many patients with IBD have low vitamin D levels, and this deficiency has been linked to more severe disease, increased hospitalizations, and higher relapse rates. This review summarizes current research on how vitamin D may help promote mucosal healing in IBD. Studies suggest that vitamin D helps strengthen the intestinal barrier, reduce harmful inflammation, and support a balanced gut microbiota. It also regulates immune responses and promotes the production of protective molecules that help repair intestinal tissue. Clinical studies indicate that vitamin D supplementation may reduce disease activity and improve quality of life in patients with IBD. However, optimal dosing remains unclear, as vitamin D levels can vary depending on factors such as diet, sun exposure, disease severity, and individual metabolism. Overall, maintaining adequate vitamin D levels appears to be a safe and promising complementary strategy for improving outcomes in patients with IBD. Future research is needed to determine the best supplementation strategies and to better understand how vitamin D contributes to long-term intestinal healing. © The Author(s), 2026. DOI: 10.1177/17562848261467609 PMCID: PMC13428104