Vitamin D Deficiency and Pain: Clinical Evidence of Low Levels of Vitamin D and Supplementation in Chronic Pain States

Abstract

IntroductionA number of studies suggest a link between low levels of 25-hydroxy vitamin D and incidence of acute and chronic pain. Clinical studies of vitamin D supplementation in patients with known vitamin D deficiency have shown mixed results in improving pain scores.MethodsIn this article, vitamin D deficiency risk factors are observed and adequate levels of 25-hydroxy vitamin D defined. Clinical supplementation with vitamin D is explored, including the schedules used in published clinical trials. Evidence of the effectiveness of vitamin D supplementation for the treatment of chronic pain conditions from double-blind randomized controlled trials (RCTs) is examined.ResultsThe scientific evidence for vitamin D as a treatment option for chronic pain is limited due to lack of RCTs. It cannot be stated conclusively that vitamin D deficiency is directly linked to the etiology or maintenance of chronic pain states.ConclusionThere remains a growing body of both clinical and laboratory evidence pointing to a potential relationship between low levels of 25-hydroxy vitamin D and a variety of chronic pain states. More focused research involving large RCTs is necessary.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (doi:10.1007/s40122-015-0036-8) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Vitamin D deficiency mimicking chronic tension-type headache in children

“…The association of low serum vitamin D level with chronic musculoskeletal pain is well established in the literature 1. However, the association of vitamin D with headache is still at a speculative stage.…”

“…Vitamin D deficiency is associated with a number of painful conditions 1. A few recent observations indicate that migraine and tension-type headache could be related to low serum vitamin D level 2–4.…”

The interfaces between vitamin D, sleep and pain

“…Neutrophils are also recruited in this process by inflammation-producing substances such as cytokines and chemokines. The accumulation of these cells in inflammatory processes leads to opioid expression, with antinociceptive effects (Marchand et al 2005, Ren & Dubner 2010, Shipton & Shipton 2015.…”

Lower Vitamin D Level and Distinct Tear Cytokine Profile Were Observed in Patients with Mild Dry Eye Signs but Exaggerated Symptoms

“…10,11 Furthermore, there is growing evidence regarding the association of vitamin D with chronic pain. 9,12 An increase in the levels of inflammatory cytokines has been reported in DED 13,14 and some with the ability to modulate pain sensation. 15 However, it is not known whether these cytokine levels are differentially regulated in mild dry eye patients with exaggerated symptoms.…”