Vitamin D plays an important part in regulating your immune system and cells and building strong bones through helping your body absorb calcium. Getting enough vitamin D can help prevent serious conditions, but it may also help prevent the development of allergies and body aches. In some people, it can also cause allergic reactions. Speak with your doctor before taking vitamin D supplements.
Aches and Vitamin D
There is a link between muscle and bone pain and a vitamin D deficiency that might be the cause of your body aches. A study conducted at the University of Minnesota in 2003 found that 93 percent of patients with non-specific musculoskeletal pain suffered from vitamin D deficiencies. Fifty-five percent had severe deficiencies and five participants did not have any vitamin D in their blood. Contrary to expectations, it was the younger patients who had the worst deficiencies. The study was led by Greg Plotnikoff, M.D., M.T.S. Dr. Plotnikoff is a professor at the university's Center for Spirituality and Healing. This type of non-specific body pain that patients may be told is in their minds is that most common complaint given to primary care physicians, says Plotnikoff.
Allergies and Vitamin D
A lack of vitamin D may make children more prone to developing allergies. In a study involving 6,590 children and adults, it was found that low vitamin D levels correlated to likelihood of allergies. The study was published in the "Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology" in February 2011. Children in the study with lower levels of vitamin D were around two times as likely to have ragweed or peanut allergies and almost five times as likely to be allergic to oak than children with more vitamin D in their bodies. The children with the lowest levels of vitamin D were also more likely to have other allergies, such as dog and shrimp allergies. The adults did not have the same problems, though researchers do not know why.
Supplement Side Effects
The effectiveness of supplements to treat aches and allergies is not yet conclusive, some people may wish to take them to increase their vitamin D levels. There are some known side effects to taking vitamin D supplements, though they are usually mild if they occur at all. Aches are one of the most common side effects that people do experience. Other common reactions include nausea, weight loss, weakness and loss of appetite.
Severe Allergic Reactions
It is possible to have severe allergic reactions to vitamin D. If you experiences any of following reactions, you need immediate medical attention. Some reactions are obvious, such as tightness in the chest, difficulty breathing, hives or a rash, vomiting and headaches. Bone and muscle pain are also possible reactions to a vitamin D overdose, which could account for body aches. You may also have to urinate more frequently, have diarrhea or see swelling on your face, lips or tongue. Less obvious symptoms you may or may not become aware of include brittle bones, mental retardation and growth problems in children.
References
- Medical News Today; People With Undetermined Muscle/Bone Pain Tend to be Severely Vitamin D Deficient; December 2003
- The Washington Post; Vitamin D Deficiency May Be a Factor in Development of Allergies; March 2011
- Drugs.com: Vitamin D
- Drugs.com: Ergocalciferol Side Effects
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Vitamin D
- Science Daily; Low Vitamin D Levels Linked to Allergies in Kids; February 2011
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