Grant: Collaborative Research and Development Grants

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) refers to both Crohns disease and ulcerative colitis, disorders that cause the intestines to become red and swollen, and dramatically lower the quality of life of affected individuals. Over 200, 000 Canadians have IBD, approximately the same number of individuals who suffer from type 1 diabetes. There is no cure for IBD. IBD is associated with pain, vomiting and diarrhoea that impedes social as well as physical health. Because IBD is a life-long disease requiring medications and often frequent surgeries, individuals with IBD are at an increased risk of premature death. Moreover, IBD can lead to compromised bone health through production of mediators that promote inflammation. Children who develop IBD are particularly at risk for delayed growth and bone development. Compromised bone health may persist through adulthood putting them at risk of developing osteoporosis. Maintaining a strong, healthy skeleton is a lifelong process. Using a well-established mouse model that mimics IBD in humans, this study will determine if providing supplemental vitamin D to mothers during pregnancy and lactation, and subsequently to offspring (pups) until adulthood prevents or lessens the severity of intestinal inflammation. Moreover, this study will determine if skeletal weakening resulting from inflamed intestine are also prevented or lessened with this intervention. A novel aspect of this study is the prevention aspect, determining if early nutrition can protect against multiple chronic diseases such as IBD and bone abnormalities. Positive findings from this study will provide an important base for prospective studies in humans.