Studies suggest that vitamin D deficiency could worsen fibromyalgia symptoms. In one study of women with fibromyalgia who had low levels of vitamin D, reduction in pain occurred after 20 weeks of supplementation. That might seem like a long time, but trust me, it flies by.
Vitamin D deficiency is a common problem in the winter because we are less likely to be outside in the sunlight. Without adequate vitamin D levels, our bodies cannot absorb calcium properly, which can cause osteoporosis in adults. Vitamin D is really important for so many things, such as bone strength, the reproduction and growth of cells, the functioning of our immune system, and neuromuscular (nerves and muscles) health.
Although I know how important this is, I still struggle with consistency in taking my vitamin D supplement. I tire of taking so many pills every day. However, after researching this, I’m going to put it on my night table so I don’t forget.
I’ve heard that you would need to get about 20 minutes of sunshine daily to get adequate levels of this important vitamin. It explains why in the winter I feel more fatigued. I don’t get out and walk as much, and I tend to hibernate.
Your doctor can check vitamin D levels with a blood test. I’ve been put on a high-dose prescription of vitamin D for several months after my level got really low. Now, I take a maintenance dose of 2,000 IUs. Also, you can get vitamin D from your diet by eating eggs, Swiss cheese, and fish, among other things.
Like anything in life, more is not always better. Too much vitamin D can cause nausea and vomiting, constipation, weakness, weight loss, and decreased appetite. Be sure to take the amount recommended by your doctor.
Go out and get as much of the sunshine vitamin as you can by getting outside, even if you’re just sitting out. That’s my new plan of action.
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Note: Fibromyalgia News Today is strictly a news and information website about the disease. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. The opinions expressed in this column are not those of Fibromyalgia News Today, or its parent company, BioNews Services, and are intended to spark discussion about issues pertaining to fibromyalgia.
The first line of the article says that studies suggest that Vit D could WORSEN fibromyalgia? Is this a typo? The rest of the article seems to support Vit D as beneficial.
Confused.
It says a deficiency in vitamin D could worsen fibro symptoms. I hope I cleared that up 😊
Vitamin D deficiency/insufficiency is highly prevalent in patients with fibromyalgia, as has been widely reported in the bibliography, although its possible etiopathogenic role is still discussed. In any case, the truth is that administration of vitamin D to these patients leads to a reduction in pain and fatigue, improving their quality of life significantly. Even cases of a total and permanent reversal of the symptoms have been reported.
In absence of a specific test, the diagnosis of the fibromyalgia syndrome is purely clinical and, from my point of view, a correct differential diagnosis is not always made. In this sense, it may be important to underline here, that the wide and varied symptomatology of fibromyalgia is similar to that provoked in many cases by the vitamin D deficiency itself. Consequently, in patients diagnosed with fibromyalgia, it would be appropriate to determine serum 25-hydroxy-vitamin D, and if necessary to make the corresponding vitamin D3 daily supplementation (80-90 IU/kg of weight) to bring it to optimal levels of 40-80 ng/mL.
I agree 100%