Is It Possible To Get Vitamin D From Food
Certain foods do contain vitamin D but the range of foods is minimal.
Foods like salmon, tuna, cheese, egg yolk and some other dairy products contain vitamin D but compared to other vitamins there isnt a very wide variety to go at. That being said, incorporating those foods mentioned will do some good.
Salmon has fantastic health benefits and is a source of vitamin D!
What To Know About The Link Between Vitamin D And Psoriatic Arthritis
Can vitamin D supplements help ease symptoms of joint pain in psoriatic arthritis patients? A rheumatologist weighs in.
If you have psoriatic arthritis, you may have heard that people with the conditionwhich causes painful, swollen, stiff jointsoften have low levels of vitamin D. In a 2015 study published in Arthritis Research & Therapy, researchers found that 40.9% of participants with psoriatic arthritis had a vitamin D deficiency, compared to 26.7% of control participants. Other autoimmune diseases have also been linked to low levels of the sunshine vitamin . In the same study as above, 40.5% of rheumatoid arthritis patients were found to have a deficiency, as did 57.8% of psoriasis patients in earlier research from the British Journal of Dermatology.
Experts believe inflammation may have something to do with this. Autoimmune diseases like psoriatic arthritis and psoriasis involve an inflammation process, explains Waseem Mir, MD, a rheumatologist at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York City. “We think that inflammation causes a decrease in vitamin D,” he told Health. ” not because dont have enough vitamin D in their body, but theyre not processing it correctly.”
Are Circulating 25d Levels Subject To Acute
We now know that many antioxidants and micronutrients follow acute-phase response behavior, an observation that further enhances the potential for reverse causality in some studies . Of interest, in a recent study of 34 patients undergoing elective knee replacement surgery, 25D concentrations fell by 30% within 6 hours after the surgery and stayed at this level for 5 days . Similar findings D levels following uncomplicated orthopedic surgery) have been described in another report . The inverse acute-phase response is a well-known effect of other circulating vitamins , and is also therefore a plausible mechanism for serum 25D . Thus, it may be that high-grade systemic inflammation leads to lower levels of circulating 25D.
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Assessing Vitamin D Status
Clinical Indicators. From a clinical perspective, a number of factors may suggest that chronic musculoskeletal pain and related problems may be due to inadequate vitamin D intake. Researchers have stressed that the gold standard for a presumptive diagnosis of inadequate vitamin D is a review of patient history, lifestyle, and dietary habits that might pose risks for deficiency.101 Along with this, indicators of defects in bone metabolism may include chronic muscle, bone, or joint pain, as well as persistent muscle weakness, fatigue, and possibly difficulty walking.20,101,102 Radiological changes potentially associated with osteomalacia are seen only in advanced stages.20,103
Signs/symptoms of calcium deficiency due to vitamin D deficiencies relate to neuromuscular irritability. Patients sometimes complain of paresthesias in their lips, tongue, fingertips, and/or toes, along with fatigue and anxiety. Muscles can be painfully achy, progressing to cramps or spasms.104-107 Lethargy, poor appetite, and mental confusion may be part of the syndrome.104
The diverse signs and symptoms may be erroneously attributed to other causes. Holick14,44 and others51,76 caution that osteomalacia due to vitamin D deficiency can be misdiagnosed as chronic fatigue syndrome, arthritis or rheumatic disease, depression, or fibromyalgia.
Biochemical Markers. Laboratory assessments usually pertain to the measurement of biomarkers that could denote osteomalacic processes, including:108
Q: How Much Vitamin D Do I Need
The NIH recommends 600 IU of vitamin D a day for those 70 and under, and 800 IU after that. But deficient adults may benefit from adding up to 2,000 IU a day . Dr. Yuan recommends her RA patients take a daily supplement of 2,000 IU of vitamin D3, the most easily absorbed kind. Pro tip: If youre on a calcium supplement, try taking both togetherthey work synergistically for bone health.
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Diseases Related To Vitamin D Deficiency
You can get vitamin D from sun exposure, foods that contain vitamin D , and supplements. Still, vitamin D deficiency is one of the most common nutrient deficiencies in the world. Vitamin D deficiency can cause muscle weakness, bone loss and increase risk of fractures. In children, lack of this nutrient can cause delays in growth as well as rickets, a disease where the bones become soft. In addition, vitamin D deficiency is also linked with several cancers, type 1 diabetes, multiple sclerosis, high blood pressure and thyroid problems.
How much vitamin D a person needs depends on many factors including age, race, latitude, season, sun exposure, clothing, and more.
The US Institute of Medicine recommends an average daily intake of 400 800 IU, or 10 20 micrograms, which it says is adequate for 97.5% of individuals. However, some studies suggest that a higher daily intake of 1000 4000 IU is needed to maintain optimal blood levels.
Vitamin K2 Effective In Rheumatoid Arthritis
Introduction:
Just as there has been an explosion of positive science on the importance of vitamin D3, another nutrient, vitamin K2, is showing tremendous promise in the treatment and prevention of a wide range of health conditions. A new study, set to be published in the August issue of the European Journal of Pharmacology, indicates that this underutilized form of vitamin K might hold the key to one of the most debilitating inflammatory conditions known to humans rheumatoid arthritis.
Background Data:
Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic inflammatory condition that affects the entire body, but especially the joints. There is abundant evidence that RA is an autoimmune reaction, in which antibodies develop against components of joint tissues, but what exactly triggers this autoimmune reaction has centered on genetic factors, abnormal bowel permeability, lifestyle and nutritional factors, food allergies, and microorganisms. RA is a classic example of a multifactorial disease, wherein an assortment of genetic, dietary, and environmental factors contribute to this disease.
While the role that vitamin K plays in blood clotting is well known, it also functions in important roles for bone and joint health. Clinical studies have documented the long-term effect of 180 mcg of MK-7 in improving bone density and overall bone health.
New Data:
Dr. Michael Murray
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Vitamin D Prevents The Progression Of Osteoarthritis
A study published in Clinical Orthopaedics and Related Research assessed the role of vitamin D in knee osteoarthritis.
When the patients were given vitamin D supplements, it was observed that vitamin D had a significantly beneficial effect in improving the characteristics of osteoarthritis-like knee pain and joint function.
Another study published in The Journal of Nutrition reported that people who are deficient in vitamin D are at a higher risk of developing knee osteoarthritis.
A study published in BioMed Central assessed the benefits of vitamin D supplementation to control knee osteoarthritis. Vitamin D supplements reduced the loss of cartilage, knee pain, and other structural abnormalities.
What does this mean? Research shows that supplementation with vitamin D in osteoarthritis patients relieves symptoms and helps control disease progression.
How Does Vitamin D Affect Your Bones
A vitamin D deficiency can lead to osteoporosis. According to the Mayo Clinic, higher doses of prednisone, an RA medication, also increase your risk for osteoporosis. This condition causes your bones to lose density and become weak, which increases your risk for bone fractures from incidents ranging from falls to bumping into objects. Talk to your doctor if you have arthritis and think you may be at risk for osteoporosis. Osteoporosis often develops without symptoms and requires a bone mineral density test for diagnosis.
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Vitamin D Has Potential Benefits For People With Osteoarthritis
medwireNews: Vitamin D intake is inversely associated with cartilage degeneration among patients with osteoarthritis , and supplementation may have a protective effect, suggests an analysis of data from the Osteoarthritis Initiative.
In the cross-sectional part of their study, Gabby Joseph and colleagues found a significant inverse association between self-reported dietary vitamin D intake and cartilage degeneration among 1785 patients with a KellgrenLawrence score of 3 or lower in the right knee.
Specifically, higher vitamin D intake was significantly associated with a reduction in cartilage WORMS score a modified semi-quantitative whole-organ magnetic resonance imaging score, where lower scores indicate less degeneration with an estimated drop of 0.24 points for each standard deviation increase in vitamin D.
Moreover, daily vitamin D supplementation was significantly associated with lower cartilage WORMS score in the medial femur in the cross-sectional analysis.
The researchers also demonstrated a longitudinal association between vitamin D supplementation and reduced joint degeneration over 4 years of follow-up among individuals who took supplements consistently. This association was dose-dependent, with 300 IU taken at least 46 days per week being the smallest dose and lowest frequency to show a significant inverse association with WORMS progression.
The researchers note that their study was limited by its observational design and self-reported vitamin intake.
Vitamin D Can Help Just Dont Ask It To Do What It Cant
As the above research points out, vitamin D does have a place in helping a patient with knee osteoarthritis. Vitamin D supplements are readily available and food rich in vitamin D are plentiful. These include salmon, herring and sardines, for non-fish lovers spinach and kale. Of course, sunshine helps a lot too.
A study in the Orthopaedic Journal of Sports Medicine from Creighton University School of Medicine concludes this way, and it is a good way to conclude our article:
Vitamin Dsufficient patients have a lower risk of developing osteoarthritis, and vitamin D sufficiency and supplementation decrease articular cartilage degeneration radiographically . Some studies have investigated the effect of vitamin D on osteoarthritis progression and pain management however, while there is no general consensus on the effects of vitamin D on osteoarthritis, some results seem promising. Vitamin D supplementation may be a safe method to treat and prevent osteoarthritis, but future research is required to define the specific pathway and ultimate efficacy.
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Sunlight And Vitamin D
This is a tricky solution because you dont want to increase your risk of skin cancer. But if you expose your skin to sunlight for a brief period daily, a compound in your skin will convert ultraviolet B radiation into vitamin D. Even sitting by an open window for several minutes can boost your intake. People with darker skin tones wont burn as easily, but they also do not absorb as much vitamin D as people with lighter skin.
Bone Health Is Important
Dr Christine Haseler, a GP with a special interest in arthritis, says: The risk with arthritis is that you may not be mobile, so youre less likely to be spending long periods of time outdoors and topping up your vitamin D levels in the sun.
Vitamin D is essential for bone health. With osteoarthritis, especially as you get older, you may be more likely to be frail and prone to falling. If your bone health isnt good and you fall and fracture your hip, thats very serious.”
If youve had inflammatory arthritis throughout your life and if it has been persistent you may have had times without weight-bearing exercise. You may also have been on steroids, and both can lead to thinner bones and osteoporosis. Preventing thinning of the bones means you have some protection if you get into difficulty.
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Dont Invest In Otc Supplements Before You Read This First
Theres something appealing about being able to help manage a chronic illness with so-called natural remedies like vitamins and minerals. That explains why theres no shortage of natural remedies marketed to people with rheumatoid arthritis and other forms of inflammatory arthritis.
There is a shortage, however, of solid scientific evidence to support whether or not you should take certain supplements. Will they actually help improve arthritis symptoms? Could they interact with other medications you take? Or might they potentially have negative side effects of their own?
Herbal supplements in particular concern me because theyre marketed using testimonials and not on any clinical data, says William Davis, MD, the chair of rheumatology at Oschner Health System in New Orleans and a fellow of the American College of Physicians and the American College of Rheumatology. As a physician, its my role to recommend treatments where theres a higher understanding of risks and benefits.
There are, however, certain vitamins and minerals that research shows can be an essential part of treatment for many patients with inflammatory arthritis. We asked Dr. Davis which ones you may need as part of your recommended treatment plan, as well as which natural remedies may show the most promise in helping with pain relief.
Could Vitamin D Really Cure Your Arthritis
Just in case there were any doubts about the importance of vitamin D – the ‘sunshine’ vitamin – two major studies published last week confirmed just how essential it is for good health.
One study found that people with higher levels in their blood were more likely to survive cancer, the other that having very low levels increased your risk of cardiovascular disease.
Previous research has linked high levels with fighting off infection and helping with all sorts of chronic problems. But there is a catch: we make most of our vitamin D when our skin is exposed to fairly strong sunlight and we can get more from oily fish and a few foods like cereals that have been fortified with it.
But to obtain the benefits suggested by this new research you have to have a level in your blood that is four or five times higher than we in the UK can get from occasionally exposing our face and hands to the sun on the way to work or having the odd meal of oily fish.
Now a new and controversial book by an American doctor suggests that taking even higher levels of the vitamin – 10 to 15 times the recommended amounts – can work wonders.
Dr James Dowd, who works at the Arthritis Institute of Michigan, has been prescribing vitamin D to people suffering from chronic disorders such as arthritis, back pain and headaches and the result, he claims, is a huge improvement in their symptoms.
He devised the ‘Vitamin D Cure’ which he used on himself, and patients such as Barbara.
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Risk Of Bias Assessment
The risk of study bias was assessed using the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews. The risk of bias of the studies was evaluated with regard to the following aspects: random sequence generation, hidden methods utilization, blinding method application, incomplete results management, selective reporting of results, and other biases. Funnel diagrams were used to detect publication bias.
Bone Mineral Disease Management In Ra Patients And Others
Despite our cautionary notes, we recognize that the prescription of calcium and vitamin D supplements to those at high risk of osteoporosis is warranted according to current recommendations . RA, like age, lifestyle, and hormonal and nutritional factors, should be considered a risk factor for osteoporosis. The presence of one or more of these risk factors may lead to measurement of bone mineral density by dual x-ray absorptiometry , and should result in advice to the patient on adequate calcium and vitamin D intake , exercise, and lifestyle modification. Intervention for the prevention of bone loss should be considered when the DXA T score is less than approximately â1.0 to â1.5 in the presence of osteoporosis risk factors. This intervention may include vitamin D and calcium supplementation as well as lifestyle advice.
Presently the decision to treat a patient with vitamin D and calcium supplements is commonly based on simple osteoporosis risk factors and DXA results rather than serum 25D levels. This practice may be analogous to giving statins to individuals at high cardiovascular risk irrespective of their cholesterol level. Whether measurement of serum 25D helps to further improve stratification for risk of osteoporosis remains to be determined, although there is some evidence that a sizable proportion of postmenopausal women with osteoporosis are not necessarily vitamin D deficient .
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Low Levels Makes Rheumatoid Arthritis Worse
Everyone needs vitamin D. It is one of the easiest vitamins to get daily, especially if you live somewhere with plenty of sunshine throughout the year. Even if you do not, there are other simple ways of adding the nutrient to your diet.
Low levels of vitamin D have been linked to a faster onset of rheumatoid arthritis. Well, studies have shown that people with RA are more likely to have lower vitamin D levels. Because of this, researchers believe that not getting enough vitamin D can trigger the onset of the condition. Now, a few studies showthis, but the link is understandable.
While vitamin D levels may not link directly to the onset of the condition, they certainly can lead to symptoms being worse.This has been shown in studies.
In fact, most chronic inflammatory diseases and autoimmune disorders have been linked to low levels of vitamin D. Patients with lower levels of the nutrient have been found with more aggressive forms of various diseases, or have found that their symptoms progress at a faster rate than someone with a healthy level of the nutrient. Unfortunately, studies cannot agree on how little is too little!
The Effects Of Vitamin D Supplementation On Pain In Individuals With Knee Osteoarthritis Are Open To Interpretation And Warrant Further Investigation
In the December 2015 edition of The Clinical Journal of Pain , a team of researchers led by Dr. Toni L. Glover of the University of Florida, College of Nursing and investigators from the University of Alabama wrote about vitamin D, knee pain and problems associated with obesity in patients with knee osteoarthritis.
This study is part of a larger ongoing project at the University of Florida and the University of Alabama at Birmingham that aims to enhance the understanding of racial/ethnic differences in pain and limitations among individuals with osteoarthritic disease .
Here are the highlights of their study:
So what to make of this research?
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