A cross-sectional study was conducted on 150 patients with nonspecific musculoskeletal pain. Researchers measured the calcidoiol--an indicator of vitamin D ingestion--levels and found every patient to be vitamin D deficient.
The study screened 83 immigrants and 67 non-immigrants, of both sexes who ranged from 10 years to 65 years of age, from six broad ethic groups. The researcher’s results found that 100 percent of the Black, Hispanic, East Africa and American Indian were vitamin D deficient. Both the non-immigrant and immigrant groups were both equally deficient. Out of the 150 patients, 28 percent had severely deficient vitamin D levels, 55 percent of who were younger than 30 years.
In another related study conducted in Saudi Arabia, researchers found vitamin D deficiency in a group of 360 chronic back patients. All the patients were given physiological doses of cholecalciferol for three months, which improved the chronic pain. Even though the doses they were given (5,000 to 10,000 IU) are said to be toxic (the American institute of Medicine says 3,800 IU is toxic) all the patients normalized their calcidiol levels.
Mayo Clinic Proceedings December, 2003
It has long been known that vitamin D protects against bone loss, but it clearly has other functions as shown in this article.
If you or someone you know is suffering from a nonspecific musculoskeletal pain, I highly suggest getting your vitamin D levels checked.
This is especially important this time of year as most of our vitamin D levels are decreasing due to limited sun exposure. This is definitely the time of year to switch from fish oil to cod liver oil, which is an excellent source of vitamin D.
When choosing a fish or cod liver oil, be sure to choose a brand that has been purified of mercury and other toxins, and has the independent laboratory testing to prove it. I offer Carlson’s brand fish oil and cod liver oil because its high-quality and superior purity and freshness have been proven here in my clinic, whereas I have not been so satisfied with some other brands. You can find the Carlson’s fish oil/cod liver oil in my "Recommended Products" section, or you may be able to find it at your local health food store.
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