A new study shows a correlation between vitamin D deficiencies and individuals with types of chronic pain, such as fibromyalgia or osteoarthritis, according to EMaxHealth. The study is titled "Vitamin D status and the efficacy of high-dose intramuscular cholecalciferol on musculoskeletal pain and morning fatigue in patients with chronic rheumatic diseases" and was presented at European League Against Rheumatism Annual European Congress of Rheumatology (EULAR), according to The National Pain Report.
Osteoarthritis inflicts almost 28 million people in the country and causes stiffness and pain in the joints due to a degeneration of joint cartilage. Meanwhile, the National Institute of Health writes that fibromyalgia affects around 5 million Americans who are 18 or older and causes muscle pain throughout the body and fatigue. The study found that patients with fibromyalgia suffered the lowest levels of vitamin D.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture has already vocalized its support of the study and stated that those at most risk for developing chronic pain are those who are not receiving adequate amounts of vitamin D in their diet.
"If you are looking for ways to increase your Vitamin D intake, the best source is sunlight," The National Pain Report writes. "That makes some dermatologists nervous given the risk for skin cancer, but it's by far the best source of Vitamin D. In addition, fatty fish like salmon and tuna, fortified milk and egg yolks are other sources of Vitamin D. And of course, you may also buy Vitamin D supplements to augment your intake."
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