19 October 2004
USA: VITAMIN D MAY HELP ALLEVIATE OSTEOARTHRITIS SYMPTOMS
Increased vitamin D levels appear to improve muscle strength and
physical function for vitamin D-deficient patients with knee
osteoarthritis, according to research presented this week at the American
College of Rheumatology Annual Scientific Meeting in San Antonio, Texas.
While previous studies have associated vitamin D deficiencies with an
increased risk for severity of knee osteoarthritis, this is the first look
at vitamin levels in relation to pain and disability. The 221 patients,
average age 67 years, participating in this study were measured for changes
in pain, physical function, muscle strength and serum levels of vitamin D
(measurable amounts of vitamin D in the blood) two or more times across a
15- and 30-month period. At the outset, the 48 percent of patients with low
levels of vitamin D (at or below the minimal 20 ng/ml needed to satisfy the
body's requirements) experienced more pain and disability than those with
levels above 20 ng/ml. Those with deficient serum vitamin D were also
weaker, but this was not significant.
The study also found that changes in vitamin D status over time
predicted changes in disability. Those with sufficient serum vitamin D that
became deficient over time experienced worsening disability scores, while
those with deficient serum vitamin D that became sufficient over time
improved their disability scores. Change in serum vitamin D levels also
showed a similar pattern in changes in pain but this was not significant.
Vitamin D, which comes primarily from exposure to sunlight, promotes
the absorption of calcium and phosphorus in bone minerali zation, growth
and repair. Sources of vitamin D are available to a lesser extent from
dietary sources typically found in fortified margarine, oily fish, liver,
fortified breakfast cereals and dairy products. However, the elderly are
less efficient at producing vitamin D from sunlight and absorbing it from
food. To address their higher risk for D deficiency, the elderly population
is often directed to take a vitamin D supplement of 400-600 IU per day.
(Exposure to sun should be limited to five to 15 minutes on the face, hands
or arms, or arms and legs.)
"Data suggests that many people may be vitamin D deficient,
especially those living in the northern hemisphere and darker skinned
individuals," said Kristin Baker, PhD, Clinical Epidemiology and Research
Training Unit, Boston University Boston, Massachusetts, and an investigator
in the study. "The good news is vitamin D levels are easily modifiable
through safe, short-term exposure to sun and/or dietary intake, and may
lessen the disability and pain of osteoarthritis."
The American College of Rheumatology is the professional organization
for rheumatologists and health professionals who share a dedication to
healing, preventing disability and curing arthritis and related rheumatic
and musculoskeletal diseases. For more infor mation on the ACR's annual
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