Vitamin D is a nutrient that has been linked to bone heath, autoimmune disease, as well as cancer risk reduction, obesity and cardiac issues. Vitamin D deficiency has become a widespread health concern and according to a 2009 report in the "Archives of Internal Medicine," as many as 77 percent of Americans do not get adequate amounts of vitamin D. Symptoms of vitamin D deficiency can include bone pain, muscle pain and weakness. A top physician and researcher in vitamin D deficiency, Dr. Michael Horlick, believe a large percentage of patients currently diagnosed with the painful muscle disorder fibromyalgia might actually suffer from vitamin D deficiency.
Vitamin D
A fat soluble nutrient, vitamin D is easily acquired through your skin's exposure to sunlight. While it can be also found in a few foods, such as fortified milk and oily fish like salmon, dietary sources do not provide enough vitamin D to maintain adequate levels. Vitamin D levels in the blood below 20 ng/ml are considered deficient and can result in symptoms such as bone pain, muscle pain, weakness and fatigue. However, not all people who are vitamin D deficient will experience symptoms, so it is important to have your physician check your vitamin D levels.
Muscle Spasms and Pain
Muscle spasms are spontaneous contractions of muscles and usually occur in the hands, feet and legs, but can also occur in the abdomen and ribcage. They can occur after too much use, such as prolonged exercise, but they can also occur for no apparent reason at all, the scenario that usually points to a low level of vitamin D, and in turn, calcium. Calcium is an essential mineral needed for healthy muscles, and a lack of calcium can cause muscle spasms.
Vitamin D Deficiency and Spasms
Because vitamin D works to aid in the absorption and balance of calcium in your body, a vitamin D deficiency also affects your calcium level. According to the National Institutes of Health, vitamin D deficiency can also be the cause of hand and foot spasms. Addressing a possible vitamin D deficiency and treating with vitamin supplements can prevent muscle spasms.
Considerations
If you believe you might be vitamin D deficient or suffer from regular muscle spasms, consult your physician and have your vitamin D blood levels tested. If the results come back and show you are vitamin D deficient, your physician can work with you and prescribe a treatment plan to bring your levels within optimal range. Once your deficiency has been treated, your physician will recommend a supplement program to maintain your levels and reduce the risk of becoming deficient again. Once the vitamin D deficiency has been treated, you should see a reduction in muscle spasms. If they continue, let your physician know so he can look for another possible underlying problem.
References
- "Archives of Internal Medicine"; "Demographic Differences and Trends of Vitamin D Insufficiency in the U.S. Population, 1988-2004"; Dr. Adit Ginde et al; March 23, 2009
- Office of Dietary Supplements: Vitamin D
- University of California Television: D-Lightful Vitamin D -- Bone and Muscle Health and Prevention of Autoimmune and Chronic Diseases
- Office of Dietary Supplements: Calcium
- MedlinePlus; "Hand or Foot Spasms"; March 22, 2010
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