Vitamin D Deficiency, Musculoskeletal Pain Related

Study shows that more than 90 percent of subjects with non-specific musculoskeletal pain also had vitamin D deficiencies.

Research at the University of Minnesota has found that 93 percent of 150 test subjects with non-specific musculoskeletal pain were vitamin D deficient, according to a recent article on the study report. Further, 100 percent of the African-American, East African, Latino and Native American subjects were vitamin D deficient to varying degrees. Non-specific musculoskeletal pain is the most common reason for which people visit primary care doctors, note the report's authors.

"These findings are remarkably different than what is taught is medical school. We would expect vitamin D deficiency in old persons or housebound persons," states lead researcher Greg Plotnikoff, professor at the University of Minnesota's Center for Spirituality and Healing, via a December university announcement. "We found the worst vitamin D deficiency in young persons - especially women of childbearing age."

Cod liver oil, salmon, mackerel, sardines and fortified milk are some dietary sources of the vitamin. Sunlight also triggers vitamin D production. Vitamin D deficiency is associated with maladies including osteoporosis, hypertension, diabetes, cancer and autoimmune diseases.