You might be shocked to discover that your risk of developing osteoarthritis is an overwhelming 50 percent. For many, when they experience pain, their first reaction is to grab an over-the-counter painkiller. However, an essential vitamin that’s also a hormone and an immune booster may be a better alternative.
Vitamin D: An Effective Solution for Osteoarthritis
A study conducted by the University of Florida demonstrates that increasing your vitamin D intake can not only reduce the pain caused by osteoarthritis in your knees but may also help enhance your ability to move by improving your sense of balance. The investigation mainly focused on individuals who were obese since carrying extra weight can put more stress on your joints and substantially increase the risk of arthritis in your knees. The Florida study shows that in obese individuals, those with sufficient vitamin D can walk more efficiently, have better balance, and find it easier to get up from a sitting position.
Toni L. Glover, one of the researchers, explains the role of vitamin D in osteoarthritis: “Adequate vitamin D may be significant to improving osteoarthritis pain because it affects bone quality and protects cell function to help reduce inflammation. Vitamin D maintains calcium and phosphate concentration levels to keep bones strong.” She also touches on the ripple effect that osteoarthritis pain could have: “Increased pain due to osteoarthritis could limit physical activity, including outdoor activities, which would lead to both decreased vitamin D levels and increased obesity.”
As you age, your risk of osteoarthritis continues to grow. It’s the most prevalent arthritis type and affects millions of people around the world. Osteoarthritis occurs when the cartilage at the ends of bones wears away over the years, losing its protective cushioning. This deterioration results in pain, stiffness, and limited joint mobility.
Incorporating Vitamin D into Your Life
Glover points out that vitamin D is an affordable and readily accessible option: “Vitamin D is inexpensive, available over-the-counter, and toxicity is fairly rare.” She advises older obese patients suffering from chronic pain to discuss their vitamin D status with their primary care providers. If it’s low, they should consider taking a supplement and obtaining judicious sun exposure.
Moreover, a plethora of studies demonstrate that almost everyone could use more vitamin D. The most natural method for humans to acquire vitamin D is through direct sunlight, along with consuming animal products like beef liver, egg yolks, and cod liver oil. Irradiated mushrooms are another fantastic source of vitamin D, and you can effortlessly make your own.
Research indicates that you should aim for 60-80ng/ml in a blood test of vitamin D levels. If you need to supplement your vitamin D intake, the easiest health option is to take from 5,000 IU twice weekly up to 10,000 IU daily until you reach optimal concentrations.
Additional Benefits of Vitamin D
Apart from its pain-relieving effects, vitamin D offers numerous other health benefits. It is known to ward off numerous diseases. For instance, research conducted on over 26,000 participants found that lower levels of vitamin D are linked to a higher risk of cancer^1. Another study found that sufficient levels of vitamin D can reduce the risk of all-cause mortality, particularly cardiovascular diseases^2.
Vitamin D has also been shown to improve muscle function, boost weight loss, and improve depression by regulating the mood, according to a double-blinded, randomized, placebo-controlled trial^3.
The Bottom Line
Given the multitude of health benefits associated with vitamin D, it makes sense to ensure you are consuming adequate amounts. This powerful vitamin can not only alleviate the pain caused by osteoarthritis but can ultimately improve your overall quality of life. Consult your primary care provider to discuss your vitamin D levels and determine whether adding a supplement is the right move for you.
Sources:
[1] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4581139/
[2] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3761874/
[3] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4011048/
