Vitamins & Minerals For Muscle Stiffness

Muscle stiffness is caused when the muscles in a certain area of your body become overly tight or tense. This can cause muscle spasms or a loss in range of motion, which can be painful and debilitating. Muscle stiffness is typically caused by many factors, ranging from an illness to an overuse injury. Muscle stiffness is usually temporary, lasting only several days, but can still disrupt your everyday life. Some vitamins and minerals have been shown to have a healing effect on muscle stiffness, reducing its severity or duration. The most effective minerals for reducing muscle stiffness are calcium and magnesium, while the most effective vitamins are vitamin C and vitamin D. Consult your physician if you suffer from muscle stiffness before beginning a nutritional supplement program to determine what treatment is best for you.

Calcium

Calcium is the most abundant mineral in your body and serves many purposes. It plays an integral role in the contraction of your skeletal muscles. Without calcium, your muscles would be unable to contract and relax. A calcium deficiency can lead to cramping and stiffness, especially in muscles that have been overused or injured. The recommended dietary allowance of calcium is about 1,000 mg per day for most adults.

Magnesium

Magnesium is a mineral that is commonly associated with calcium. When taken together, calcium and magnesium magnify each other's effects on muscle spasms. This is because magnesium facilitates the absorption of calcium, and is necessary for your body to coordinate energy production and protein synthesis in your muscles. Low levels of magnesium have been associated with muscle stiffness, arthritis and fibromyalgia, which is chronic pain and stiffness in your joints and muscles. The recommended dietary intake for magnesium is about 400 mg per day for most adults.

Vitamin C

Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant associated with relieving muscle stiffness and pain, especially when you suffer from chronic pain. Vitamin C facilitates the production of collagen, a material produced by your body that promotes proper muscle cell formation. Vitamin C may also aid in your body's ability to remove cellular waste that is produced as a result of muscle tissue trauma. The recommended dietary intake for vitamin C is about 85 mg per day for most adults.

Vitamin D

Vitamin D deficiency has been linked to muscle pain and stiffness, and has also been directly associated with fibromyalgia. Vitamin D promotes the formation of healthy muscle tissue, and has also been shown to play an important role in immune system function. It may also help control inflammation associated with muscle tissue damage. Reducing inflammation from the areas surrounding your muscles can help alleviate pain and stiffness resulting from muscle tissue damage. The recommended dietary intake of vitamin D is about 400 IU daily for most adults.