Bone, joint and muscle pain and vitamin D deficiency

Vitamin D is a hormone-like compound produced in the body when the skin is exposed to sunlight. It performs many functions in the body, one of which is to help regulate inflammation, nociception (the transmission of pain signals along the nerves) and pain perception. Vitamin D deficiencies are often observed in pathophysiological conditions accompanied by pain.

1. Vitamin D in the body
2. Vitamin D deficiency
3. The role of vitamin D in pain
4. Adequate vitamin D levels

Vitamin D in the body

Vitamin D has a structure similar to steroid hormones and, because it is produced in the body, it is more like a hormone than a vitamin. Its synthesis occurs as a result of the interaction of sunlight with enzymes present in the skin, which use cholesterol, among other things, in this process.

In the diet, it is mainly provided by fish and certain mushrooms, as well as eggs, milk and dairy products. However, it is estimated that almost half of the population is at risk of deficiency, which affects the incidence and course of certain diseases. This is especially true for people living in areas far from the equator, where seasonal factors mean that their skin is not exposed to sufficient sunlight.

Vitamin D deficiency

Vitamin D is mainly known for its effect on the skeletal system and calcium balance in the body. It also influences hormone regulation and the body's immune response, as well as inflammatory processes. Its deficiency can disrupt many mechanisms essential for health and life, and balancing its levels can bring many benefits. Due to the high risk of deficiency, including in Poland, year-round supplementation is recommended.

The role of vitamin D in pain

Vitamin D deficiency is often associated with increased inflammation in the body and poorer pain tolerance. Low levels of vitamin D are observed, among others, in patients suffering from chronic pain. In addition to regulating inflammation, vitamin D also affects pain by limiting the release of calcium from the bones, which can be painful, for example, in people undergoing cancer treatment.

Although observations indicate a certain relationship between vitamin D levels and the intensity of pain, there is no clear evidence of its direct analgesic effect, especially in people who do not have significant deficiencies. For this reason, among others, supplementation in the context of pain may be most important in people with significantly reduced vitamin D levels below 20–30 nmol/l.

Adequate vitamin D levels

According to scientists and doctors, vitamin D should be supplied to the body in adequate doses throughout the year. The daily intake should be 400–600 IU, but in cases of deficiency, doses of 4,000 IU and higher are often used. By maintaining high levels of vitamin D in the body, you can protect yourself against many ailments. There is evidence that avoidable ailments include, among others, disorders related to nociception and pain.

Sources:

Helde-Frankling M, Björkhem-Bergman L. Vitamin D in Pain Management. Int J Mol Sci. 2017 Oct 18;18(10):2170. doi: 10.3390/ijms18102170. PMID: 29057787; PMCID: PMC5666851.

Demer LL, Hsu JJ, Tintut Y. Steroid Hormone Vitamin D: Implications for Cardiovascular Disease. Circ Res. 2018 May 25;122(11):1576-1585. doi: 10.1161/CIRCRESAHA.118.311585. PMID: 29798901; PMCID: PMC6122607.