Reduce Back Pain and Osteoporosis with Vitamin D

It is a known fact that bones are strengthened by Vitamin D. The role of this vitamin in the growth and development of bones is also well researched. A great benefit of Vitamin D that not a lot of people are aware of is - it helps to prevent osteoporosis from developing and relieves back pain.

What is Vitamin D and What Are Its Sources?

Vitamin D is a micronutrient that is soluble in body fat. Various foods like fatty fish, canned tuna, portobello mushrooms, fortified milk, egg yolk, fortified cereal, beef liver, fortified orange juice, cod liver oil, et al. However, the best way to get Vitamin D is through sunlight. UVB rays of the sun can be easily absorbed in the human skin and are aid the body in producing Vitamin D.

People who live in areas where sun exposure is scarce can consume Vitamin D supplements. It should be mentioned that calcium supplements are prescribed with Vitamin D supplements because calcium is necessary for this Vitamin to be absorbed by the bones.

How Is Vitamin D Effective Against Osteoporosis and Back Pain?

Vitamin D is known to have an analgesic effect on the body. People experiencing chronic pain in the musculoskeletal system can benefit from the vitamin as it functions as a tissue hormone. This is because Vitamin D is more of a prohormone than a nutrient. Vitamin D deficiency is known to cause various bone diseases like rickets.

Vitamin D has an ability to maintain adequate levels of phosphorous and calcium in the body. In order for teeth and bones to be healthy, these are the two main elements that every diet must have.

What Do Vitamin D Studies Reveal?

In total 22 Vitamin D studies, a deficiency of the vitamin was noticed in 48% of the participants. With the help of supplements, muscle and bone pain was completely or greatly reduced. In another study involving back pain, great results were achieved in 95% participants after 3 months of Vitamin D supplements. According to a University of Minnesota study, Vitamin D deficiency of a severe nature was mostly observed in people under 30. Hip fractures were also reduced by 18% in studies after regular supplementation of Vitamin D in participants.

What Is The Appropriate Dose of Vitamin D?

Previously, Vitamin D consumption guidelines were set at 600 IU. However, this was updated after researchers insisted that the current consumption amount should be between 2400 and 2800 IU on a daily basis. There are researchers who recommend that Vitamin D consumption amount to be 5000 IU. Plus, this should be supplemented with 1000 IU of calcium.

A doctor should be consulted before taking Vitamin D supplements because there could be chances of drug interaction. A few cases of overdosing have also been noticed. It is not safe to consume over 50,000 IU of Vitamin D over an extended time period without proper supervision.

Almost 8 out of 10 people can reduce their back pain if they take Vitamin D supplements. These supplements are pretty inexpensive but they are extremely effective in keeping bones healthy. Plus, chances of osteoporosis are also reduced in older people.