Way back in 2003, a Mayo Clinic study, found that 93% of fibromyalgia patients were vitamin D deficient. But there was no Control Group in the study so it was mainly disregarded.
In 2014, finally, a randomized placebo-controlled trial was done in Austria.
Methods
The Control Group (CG) received placebo medication.
The fibromyalgia patients were given oral supplementation of up to 2400 units of vitamin D (cholecalciferol also called D3*) a day for 20 weeks.
Their vitamin D levels rose up to about 50 and then, once they stopped the vitamin D, levels came back down to match the CG.
Both groups were re-evaluated after a further 24weeks without cholecalciferol supplementation.
The main hypothesis, of the research, was that high levels of serum vitamin D would result in a reduction of pain.
Patients were evaluated using the visual analog scale score, the Short Form Health Survey 36, the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, the Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire, and the Somatization subscale of Symptom Checklist.
Results
A marked reduction in pain was noted over the treatment period in the fibromyalgia patients. Improving the vitamin D levels in FMS had a positive effect on the perception of pain.
Many tests have been carried out since on the value of Vitamin D on widespread pain including:
- Efficacy of vitamin D replacement therapy on patients with chronic nonspecific widespread musculoskeletal pain with vitamin D deficiency.
- Effect of vitamin D supplementation in chronic widespread pain: a systematic review and meta-analysis
- Effects of Vitamin D Therapy on Quality of Life in Patients with Fibromyalgia.
- Vitamin D in Pain Management.
The results of these tests have all been similar and all say that vitamin D supplementation is able to decrease pain scores and improve pain, musculoskeletal symptoms, level of depression and quality of life of patients.
In my humble opinion this makes vitamin D the supplement that all patients with Fibromyalgia, or undiagnosed widespread chronic pain should trial.
See the Best Sellers in Vitamin D Supplements
on Amazon.
* “D3 mimics the way our bodies make vitamin D from sunlight and it’s more easily absorbed, making it the best option for most people.”
See the Best Sellers in Vitamin D Supplements
on Amazon.* “D3 mimics the way our bodies make vitamin D from sunlight and it’s more easily absorbed, making it the best option for most people.”
RESOURCES:
Effects of vitamin D on patients with fibromyalgia syndrome: a randomized placebo-controlled trial.
I've been taking this one for some time. Will shared on my FB page
ReplyDeleteThanks so much Mandy for commenting and sharing
DeleteI appreciate that you show the research that goes along with. When I was first diagnosed and so desperate for relief I tried whatever anyone suggested. Vitamin D has been one of the supplements that I have kept in my daily protocol. My morning and evening pill box had been filled with up to 12 pills (various supplements and 3 prescribed meds) and is down now to 6 (5 supplements and 1 prescription).
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you appreciate the research. That's what I am trying to promote here and slowly build up protocols that are proven to work. There is a lot of trial and error with finding what works for each individual trying to lessen fibro symptoms so I figure evidence based things are a great place to start. Interesting tha Vitamin D is one you are still taking
DeleteI will look into this. I am vitamin D deficient. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteIt is strange that we both live in sunny Australia and are both tested to be deficient in this vitamin that comes from the sun!
DeleteI like this post, And I guess that having fun to read this post,they shall take a good site to make a information, thanks for sharing it to me.
ReplyDeleteHi Abdul and thanks for your appreciation of my site.
Delete