Researchers say theres an all-natural tool to help soothe aching muscles vitamin D.
A new Pain Treatment Topics report has found that many chronic back pain sufferers have insufficient levels of the vitamin. “When sufficient vitamin D supplementation was provided, their pain either vanished or was at least helped to a significant extent,” said the studys author Dr. Stewart Leavitt.
Researchers say the findings also explain why many people suffer from more aches and pains during the winter months when exposure to vitamin D-rich ultraviolet rays are in short supply.
While Leavitt stresses that the vitamin shouldnt replace all other pain-relieving therapies, it can be helpful. “Extra vitamin D should be considered for all persons during winter months, and especially for those who have back aches and pains,” he said.
Vitamin D can be found in food sources like milk, tuna, eggs and fortified breakfast cereals as well as in nutritional supplement form.
The current recommended intake is 600 IUs per day, although researchers say most children and adults need at least 1000 IUs every day and that chronic pain sufferers may need even more.