According to paintopics.org, "a lack of adequate vitamin D in the body is linked to chronic pain, muscle weakness, fibromyalgia, osteoarthritis, migraine headaches and other disorders." Supplemental vitamin D can significantly alleviate the symptoms of chronic pain and fatigue, and is easily self-administered through vitamin supplements or dietary additives.
Forms of Vitamin D
Vitamin D has two main forms, D2 and D3. The D2 form is synthesized by plants while D3 is a naturally occurring form that is synthesized in the skin by exposure to direct sunlight or obtained in the diet through consumption of fish liver oils and salt water fish, according to Merck.
Vitamin D-Enriched Foods
The Mayo Clinic notes that by eating common high-vitamin D foods, people are able to get vitamin D in their bodies which can help alleviate joint pain. Some vitamin D-enriched foods include eggs, beef, salmon, tuna and fortified milk. According to LovetoKnow.com, consuming these foods that are high in vitamin D will help joint pain by contributing to healthy bone formation and mineralization, maintaining hormonal balance in the body and by contributing to a healthy immune system.
Common Joint Ailments
Common joint and pain conditions associated with vitamin D deficiency include fatigue, bone pain, muscle pain and joint pain. More severe vitamin D deficiency conditions include heart disease, chronic pain, Fibromyalgia, hypertension, arthritis, depression, inflammatory bowel disease, obesity, PMS, Crohns Disease, cancer and multiple sclerosis, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Time Frame
The time necessary to see improvements depends on the individual, the dosage they are taking as well as other supplements or aids they are taking along with the vitamin D.
Calcium aids in the absorption of vitamin D, so combining supplements and dietary additives will increase effects over a shorter period of time. Individual results vary so consult your health professional for recommendations.
Warnings and Side Effects
According to Professor Trevor Marshall at Australia's Murdoch School of Biological Medicine and Biotechnology, the body has protein on the cells that reacts with vitamin D molecules, which causes repression of genes associated with cancers and multiple sclerosis. By persistently activating the vitamin D receptor with vitamin D3 supplements, other natural proteins are prevented from reacting with the vitamin D receptor, which suppresses the immune system over time.
