Levels of Vitamin D May Affect Chronic Pain in Women

I have read that low levels of vitamin D may contribute to chronic pain in women. I understand that higher rates of chronic pain were reported by smokers, non-drinkers, and overweight and underweight people. Among women, vitamin D levels also seemed to be a major factor.

In England a study showed that women with vitamin D levels between 75 and 99 mmol/liter, a range believed necessary for good bone health, had the lowest rates of chronic pain (8 percent), while women with vitamin D levels less than 25 mmol/liter had the highest rates of chronic pain (14.4 percent). Another recent study, indicated that the median adult intake of vitamin D in the US is only 230 IU per day, and the researchers' recommended 2000 IU per day.


Vitamin D deficiency can lead to osteopenia, osteoporosis, muscle weakness, fractures, common cancers, autoimmune diseases, infectious diseases and cardiovascular diseases - s been found to be lacking particularly in inhabitants of colder climates.


So, if you don’t get a lot of natural sunlight on your skin, be sure to get enough vitamin D in your diet. Fish (like salmon, herring, and mackerel) are naturally high in vitamin D. Cereals and dairy products are often fortified with vitamin D.

What was surprising to me was that no link between vitamin D and chronic pain was seen in men. This may mean that female hormones may be a factor, but further research is needed to determine if vitamin D supplements can protect women against chronic pain.

While this research continues, if you want to supplement your intake of this sunshine vitamin, here are a couple of good and low cost sources on line.