Vitamin D Deficiency and Muscle Cramps

Vitamin D deficiency and muscle cramps are closely related to each other. Muscle cramping is one of the most common symptoms of vitamin D deficiency. Other symptoms include:

● Muscle pain
● Osteoporosis
● Bone pain
● Bone fractures
● Rickets in children
● Chronic fatigue
● Osteomalacia
● Depression
● Muscle weakness
● General weakness

According to some studies, vitamin D deficiency is quite common. The problem is that the symptoms occur very late, so a person can be deficient for along time without knowing about it. Vitamin D is necessary for normal bone mineralization, and healthy immune system. According to several researches, vitamin D is helpful in fighting cancer and tuberculosis. It can be very effective in prevention of multiple sclerosis.

Vitamin D deficiency is related to obesity, insomnia, and depression. However, these symptoms usually occur when people become severely deficient. Most patients have problems with pain in muscles and muscle cramping. Sometimes, the pain can become unbearable. It feels like every muscle in the body hurts.

Muscle cramping is a very non-specific symptom. It can indicate various problems, other than vitamin D deficiency. If you experience muscle cramping (for no obvious reason) and it becomes persistent, you need to visit your doctor and have a blood test. Other deficiencies can also lead to muscle cramping.

People who are diagnosed with severe deficiency of vitamin D are usually given large doses of vitamin D supplements. The dosage can go as high as 50 000 International Units (given once a week or twice a month). Most patients say that once vitamin D levels go higher, the pain in muscles and muscle cramping will gradually subside. However, some patients continue to have muscle cramps for a long time. This symptom is very unpleasant, and it can greatly impair the quality of one’s life.

Vitamin D deficiency can be prevented. You need to spend time in the sun and consume foods that contain this vitamin. If you cannot get enough sunlight (you are housebound or you live in a cold weather country), you need to talk to your doctor about alternatives. You can use sun showers or you can take supplements. Sun showers are not safe for anyone, so do talk to your dermatologist before you start using these devices. Vitamin D supplements remain the best option for people whose vitamin D levels are low. To prevent deficiency, you will have to take the supplements regularly, according to your doctor’s instructions.