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Link Between Musculoskeletal Pain and Vitamin D Deficiency

by Medindia Content Team on Dec 27 2003 12:17 PM

A new study conducted by researchers say it is a misconception to believe vitamin D deficiency is only prevalent in older or housebound people.

Researchers examined 150 children and adults with non-specific musculoskeletal pain for their levels of vitamin D. Among the participants, all African-American, East African, Hispanic and Native American patients had vitamin D deficiencies, as were all patients younger than 30. Five patients actually had no vitamin D at all.

According to the study, the worst vitamin D deficiency was seen in young persons -- especially women of childbearing age.

The risks involved with vitamin D deficiency include women giving birth to children with adverse fetal effects or neonatal illnesses, young adults not developing optimal bone mass, and older adults experiencing osteoporotic fractures.

Vitamin D deficiency is also associated with significant risks for osteoporosis, hypertension, diabetes, cancer and auto-immune diseases such as multiple sclerosis.

Based on the study researchers recommend further investigation to determine relief and management of musculoskeletal pain with prescriptions of vitamin D and they also say that it should be made a standard practice to screen all patients with such pain for hypovitaminosis D.


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