Vitamin D Supplementation May Offer Arthritis Pain Relief

Vitamin D deficiency has been linked to chronic pain conditions, including various types of:

After researchers reviewed 22 clinical studies involving patients with chronic pain and fatigue syndromes, it was discovered that in almost all cases, the patients had inadequate levels of vitamin D. Of even more interest, it was noted that when the patients were given sufficient vitamin D supplementation, their aches and pains improved dramatically or went away in some cases.

So, what's a sufficient level of vitamin D supplementation? According to pain-topics.org, authors of "Vitamin D -- A Neglected 'Analgesic' for Chronic Musculoskeletal Pain" believe the current recommendation for vitamin D (600 IU per day) is outdated. Most adults and children need at least 1000 IU/day and people with chronic musculoskeletal pain could benefit from 2000 IU or more per day of cholecalciferol (vitamin D3 supplement).

Vitamin D is a nutrient that functions like a hormone and it is useful for many body tissues and organs -- including bones, muscles, and nerves. Vitamin D is easy to self-administer and it is relatively inexpensive. While vitamin D should not be viewed as a cure, patients may derive much benefit from extra supplementation of vitamin D. You should discuss vitamin D supplementation with your doctor so that an optimal dose can be recommended for you.

Related Resources:

• Vitamin D May Protect Against Rheumatoid Arthritis
• Osteoporosis Prevention: The Role of Calcium and Vitamin D
• Is a Daily Multivitamin Important for Arthritis Patients?
• Vitamin C and Arthritis: The Effect of Vitamin C on Joints

_{Photo by Dan Fletcher (iStockphoto)}