7/29/2005
Two different research groups have stated in recent literature that a vitamin D deficiency in the body may cause musculoskeletal pain - pain in the muscles, joints and bones.
"An excess of widespread pain among South Asians: Are low levels of vitamin D implicated" by Macfarlane et al, and "Musculoskeletal pain in female asylum seekers and hypovitaminosis D3" by de Torrente de la Jara G et al, each found that a vitamin D deficiency can be linked musculoskeletal pain.
In their study, Macfarlene et al, concludes, "[A vitamin D deficiency] may be one potentially treatable cause of widespread pain."
In his article, "Expanding The Therapeutic Horizon In Ankylosing Spondylitis", which appeared in the September / October 2004 issue of Spondylitis Plus, Dr. Walter Maksymowych writes, "It is surprising how many patients with AS are vitamin D deficient -- about 20% in my practice."
Vitamin D helps the body absorb calcium and is essential in the maintenance of bones. The body produces vitamin D naturally when exposed to sunshine. It is important to note that vitamin D is fat-soluble, thus it is stored in the body. Too much vitamin D can lead to toxic side effects.
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