Your ribs are a series of flat bones that cover the organs in your chest and upper abdomen and protect them from trauma. Fractured ribs may be due to a lack of vitamin D, which weakens your bones. In theory, vitamin D could help fractured ribs heal, but you should talk to your doctor before taking any vitamin supplement.
Fractured Ribs
Your ribs are relatively flat and thin bones that run from your back to your sternum, also known as your breast bone. Ribs generally become fractured as a result of trauma, either due to a fall or impact with a blunt object. Fractured ribs can be quite painful, but in general the only treatment is to give them time to heal on their own.
Vitamin D
Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin, which means that it dissolves better in fats than it does in water. Some foods, such as cod liver oil and green leafy vegetables, naturally contain vitamin D. Your body also has the ability to manufacture vitamin D when your skin is exposed to sunlight. Vitamin D helps stimulate cells important for bone strength and it also is necessary for your intestines to absorb calcium effectively.
Vitamin D Deficiency and Rib Fractures
A lack of vitamin D can cause decreased bone strength, also known as rickets. This can cause your bones, including your ribs, to become brittle and fracture more easily. A case of vitamin D deficiency that lead to multiple rib fractures in an elderly person was documented in a 2006 issue of "Australian Family Physician." In addition, vitamin D deficiencies in children may result in rib fractures, a 2000 article in "Pediatrics" notes.
Considerations
Although vitamin D is important for bone strength, no studies have been done to determine if it helps rib fractures heal more quickly. High doses of the vitamin can be dangerous, as it can cause your intestines to absorb too much calcium, resulting in a condition known as hypercalcemia. Talk to your doctor before taking vitamin D or any other supplement to avoid an accidental overdose.
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