Vitamin D and Chronic Pain
Written By: Dr. Jan McBarren, Duke and The Doctor
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Published - Nov 20, 2011
People who are vitamin D deficient are more likely to suffer from chronic pain and fatigue. Researchers analyzed 22 clinical studies of patients with various kinds of chronic pain and fatigue. They then evaluated their vitamin D level. In one study, 93% of the patients who suffered chronic musculoskeletal pain (muscle and joint) turned out to be vitamin deficient. The growing sentiment concerning the recommended daily amount of vitamin D being 600 IU is that it is too low. Vitamin D deficiency is widespread and often times overlooked. For the most part, when people go to the doctor and complain of muscle pain and fatigue, they often receive a diagnosis that then justifies medications, for example fibromyalgia. Since doctors are paid to prescribe medication, there is no incentive for them to be looking for vitamin deficiencies or recommended vitamins. The research continues to clearly demonstrate that many people are vitamin deficient and do not know it. As a result, often times they are misdiagnosed with diseases that require them to take drugs which is not truly the source of their problem. For most people, simply taking a good multivitamin like Daily Extra by Vita Logic once a day provides adequate levels of vitamins and minerals including vitamin D. However, in some individuals, additional vitamin D supplementation may be wanted. Previous research has shown this to be the case for cancer prevention, cardiovascular health, and certain neurodegenerative diseases including Parkinson’s and multiple sclerosis, and according to this recent study should also be considered for people suffering with fibromyalgia, chronic muscle pain, and fatigue. It is important to note in selecting a vitamin D supplement that there are two forms. Vitamin D2 is synthetic and called ergocalciferol. Vita Logic Vitamin D-3 is natural vitamin D otherwise known as cholecalciferol. This is the form of vitamin D that is actually manufactured in the body and therefore the desired form to take as a supplement.