Do You Need More Vitamin D?
Vitamin D is something many of us are deficient in, even in a city as sunny as Sacramento. Research has shown that vitamin D deficiency can play a large role in chronic pain patients. It is well known that vitamin D also plays a crucial role in the immune system.
The Epidemic of Vitamin D Deficiency
It is concerning that a significant percentage of the population of the United States is vitamin D deficient. Vitamin D levels are measured through a simple blood test. The medical community has some level of disagreement over what represents a sufficient level of vitamin D but generally levels lower than 20 ng/mL (50 nmol/L) are determined to be deficient within the conventional medical community. Some health care practitioners say that levels below 32 ng/mL are deficient. The optimum range for vitamin D levels in the blood is between 50 to 70 ng/mL.
One recent study revealed that approximately 40% of people in the United state were deficient in vitamin D. The rates were even higher among Hispanics and African-Americans. Other studies show that vitamin D levels seem to decrease with age.
The University of Minnesota conducted a study of patients with nonspecific musculoskeletal pain, which is pain that was not due to injury, disease, or anatomical defect. That study found that 93% of the patients were vitamin D deficient. A similar study including more diverse age groups and ethnicities found 100% of the Hispanic, African American, and Native American participants were Vitamin D deficient.
Vitamin D Deficiency and Other Conditions
An insufficient level of vitamin D has been linked to many conditions, including:
- Inflammation
- Cardiovascular disease
- High cholesterol
- Diabetes
- Weight gain
- Declining cognition
- Infectious diseases
- Multiple sclerosis
- Fatigue
- Chronic fatigue syndrome
- Physical functional impairment
- Nonspecific bone and joint pain
- Headaches
- Depression
- Mood Disorders
- Muscle weakness
- Osteoarthritis
- Rheumatoid disorders
- Fibromyalgia
- Immune disorders
- Mortality – all causes
Some research has suggested that patients experience a reduction in pain after receiving supplemental vitamin D. The Archives of Internal Medicine reported on five patients who had pain that was not responsive to pain medicine, tricyclic antidepressants, or narcotics. Their pain was resolved within five to seven days after being supplemented with vitamin D2. Several months after the study was completed, one of the patients again experienced a deficiency in vitamin D levels accompanied by a return of pain. That patient received supplementation and the pain again resolved.
A number of other studies have supported the theory that vitamin D supplementation has a positive effect on nonspecific musculoskeletal pain. Other patient studies have found a link with supplementation of vitamin D and a reduction of knee pain with better function. One group of United States veterans that were reporting chronic pain in multiple areas were given supplements of vitamin D and they reported better sleep, less pain, and better quality of life.
Vitamin D supplementation may also help diabetic neuropathic tingling, numbness, and pain along with depression.
Getting Adequate Vitamin D
When skin is exposed to sunlight, the ultraviolet rays produce vitamin D naturally within the body. Those of us with dark skin synthesize up to 99% less vitamin D. This is due to the fact that melanin, which is present to a greater degree in darker skin, absorbs UV rays. The use of sunscreen blocks the ability of the body to produce vitamin D. As we age, our bodies become less adept at synthesizing vitamin D. Those of us that live in the northern section of the United State are less likely to naturally produce enough of the vitamin due to less direct sunlight and longer winters. Finally, some medications, including some antacids and cholesterol-lowering drugs, block the synthesis or reduce the absorption of vitamin D.
Vitamin D is available in some foods, such as:
- Cod liver oil
- Fortified milk (including soy)
- Fortified cereals
- Egg yolk
- Fatty fish
- Oysters
Most Americans, however, do not consume enough of these foods to maintain sufficient levels of the vitamin. Vitamin D supplements are not expensive and are readily available. Vitamin D3 is the natural form as opposed to the synthetic D2, and it is absorbed more readily than D2. The amount of IU (international units) recommended daily is contested. Mayo Clinic recommends 600 IU daily but states that 1000-2000 IU is generally safe. Many alternative practitioners recommend doses in the area of 10,000 IU daily for a month before switching to 5000 IU.
Sacramento Personal Injury Lawyer
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