Vitamin D3 & Pain

Everyone experiences pain at certain times. However, certain disorders that cause chronic muscle pain, such as fibromyalgia, rheumatic disorders and osteoarthritis, may be linked to low levels of vitamin D. Dietary supplementation with vitamin D may help reduce your symptoms. As with any dietary supplements, consult your doctor before using vitamin D.

About Vitamin D3

Vitamin D is a nutrient that assists with calcium absorption in your small intestines and promotes calcium reabsorption in your kidneys. Vitamin D helps maintain a healthy immune system, builds bones and teeth, helps prevent depressive symptoms common in seasonal affective disorder and may help prevent cancer, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. There are two forms of vitamin D. Cholecalciferol, also known as vitamin D3, is a better-absorbed form of vitamin D than ergocalciferol, or vitamin D2. In fact, a study published in the November 2004 issue of the "Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism" reports that vitamin D2 is one-third less potent than vitamin D3. Your body produces vitamin D3 in response to sunlight. It is also present naturally in certain foods, such as fish and fortified cereals. Vitamin D2 is not made by the human body; it is derived from fungi and yeast.

Relationship to Pain

When it comes to pain, it's thought that vitamin D and calcium go hand in hand. A vitamin D deficiency is often associated with musculoskeletal pain due to a lack of available calcium, according to a 2008 briefing in "Pain Treatment Topics." This causes a condition known as osteomalacia, which researchers hypothesize may be a key cause of persistent, generalized muscle pain. Osteomalacia causes an increase in parathyroid hormone secretion, which ultimately results in weaker or softer bones. This can cause pain in the muscles and tissues around your bones, as well as fatigue and decreased strength, all symptoms commonly experienced by people suffering from chronic pain disorders.

Clinical Evidence

A study published in the January 15, 2003 issue of the journal "Spine" examined vitamin D levels in 360 patients suffering from chronic low back pain. The researchers found that 83 percent of the study participants had abnormally low levels of vitamin D. Supplementation with vitamin D resulted in an improvement in pain symptoms in 95 percent of study participants. Another study, published in the December 2003 issue of the "Mayo Clinic Proceedings" examined vitamin D levels in 150 study participants with complaints of persistent, nonspecific musculoskeletal pain. The results found that 93 percent of all participants, and 100 percent of African American, East African, Hispanic and American Indian patients, suffered from a vitamin D deficiency.

Considerations

People who do not obtain enough sunlight exposure and senior citizens may have a higher risk of developing a vitamin D deficiency, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. While vitamin D supplementation may improve your symptoms, you should never use dietary supplements to self-treat your condition. Consult your doctor if you experience symptoms of chronic pain. Taking too much vitamin D in supplement form can cause unwanted side effects. Vitamin supplements may interact with certain medications. Inform your doctor before using vitamin D supplements.