Vitamin Deficiencies & The Musculoskeletal System

The development and strength of your musculoskeletal system -- bones, muscles, ligaments, tendons and joints -- depend on an adequate supply of several vitamins. Along with an array of minerals, vitamins support different components of your musculoskeletal system. A deficiency in one or more of the vitamins needed for your musculoskeletal health may cause pain, deformity and increased fracture risk. Excess intake of certain vitamins can also cause musculoskeletal problems.

Vitamin A

Vitamin A supports normal bone growth, which occurs throughout life as your bones cycle through breakdown and replacement. Inadequate intake of vitamin A may weaken your bones, although this deficiency is uncommon in the United States. In an effort to ensure sufficient vitamin A intake, you may decide to take a nutritional supplement. Be aware that excess vitamin A intake may reduce bone strength and increase your risk of fractures. Findings from a small study conducted by Sara Johansson, Ph.D., and colleagues, published in the October 2001 issue of the "Journal of Bone and Mineral Research," indicate that large doses of vitamin A may disrupt vitamin D-controlled absorption of dietary calcium. The recommended daily intake for vitamin A is 700 mcg for women and 900 mcg for men. To prevent possible adverse effects, do not exceed the upper limit of 3,000 mcg of vitamin A daily.

Vitamin C

Your body requires vitamin C, or ascorbic acid, to produce the structural protein collagen. Your bones, ligaments and tendons contain type 1 collagen. The cartilage that lines your joints and prevents friction between bones consists of type 2 collagen. Vitamin C deficiency, or scurvy, disrupts collagen production, which weakens your bones and muscles and commonly causes bone, muscle and joint pain. Bleeding into your joints may also occur. The recommended daily intake for vitamin C is 75 mg for women and 90 mg for men.

Vitamin D

Vitamin D supports bone and muscle health. It stimulates absorption of dietary calcium from your small bowel, ensuring an adequate supply to harden your bones. Vitamin D also helps regulate bone growth and remodeling, the process of replacing old bone with new. Vitamin D deficiency causes softening of your bones, a condition known as osteomalacia in adults and rickets in children. Vitamin D deficiency adversely affects your muscles by causing loss of muscle mass and deteriorating strength, a condition termed osteomalacic myopathy. Muscle weakness and bone and muscle pain may indicate that you have a vitamin D deficiency. The recommended daily intake for vitamin D is 600 IU through age 70 and 800 IU if you are 71 or older.

Vitamin K

Vitamin K is known for its essential role in the production of proteins that help your blood clot after an injury. The growth and strength of your bones, however, also depend on an adequate supply of vitamin K. Vitamin K deficiency may weaken your bones and increase your risk of fractures. The Institute of Medicine has set the adequate intake level for vitamin K at 90 mcg daily for women and 120 mcg for men.