How Important Is Vitamin D for Knees?
Vitamin D important for your bones and muscles in your knees, but this vitamin isn't the medicine for all your problems with knees. This is not a miracle cure and the research regarding Vitamin D and knee pain gives mixed results.
Why is all the attention paid to the effect of sunshine on the joints? Because there is always one relative who assures everyone that sunshine is the only thing that can heal the creaking joints. Let's figure out what is true, what is myth, and what your joint health really needs.
How Your Body Needs Vitamin D
Vitamin D helps you absorb calcium, which keeps your bones firm. Additionally, this vitamin plays a role in muscles' strength that allows reducing the load from your joint. Moreover, some observations show correlation between the lower level of vitamin D and knee pain or the higher chance of osteoarthritis's development.
The word "linked" does not imply that low levels of vitamin D cause the pain. Correlation does not imply causation.
What Do the Studies Say?
But the plot gets twisted a bit:
- McAlindon et al., JAMA, 2013: 146 participants with symptomatic arthritis took either vitamin D or a placebo for two years, but increased blood level of vitamin D did not decrease pain and cartilage loss.
- Ding and colleagues, JAMA, 2016: 413 patients with the low vitamin D got monthly 50,000 IU doses of vitamin D or a placebo for two years. The researchers did not find any significant difference in pain or cartilage volume. However, a follow-up analysis revealed the reduction of joint swelling in the patients who got the treatment.
Thus, the correction of the true deficit makes some sense. But it is not clear whether capsules can erase the pain in this case or not.
What amount of vitamin D should I take?
The proper vitamin D dose depends on your blood level of vitamin D. Fortunately; there is a simple blood test to determine it. According to health authorities such as the US NIH, the common recommendation is 600 IU per day for most adults and 800 IU per day for adults aged 70+. However, 4000 IU per day usually serves as the upper limit. Excessive amounts of vitamin D may have detrimental effects such as increase of calcium level and stomach problems, among others.
Not interested in the pill? There are other methods:
- Fifteen minutes of sun (don't forget sunscreen)
- Fatty fishes such as salmon or sardines
- Egg yolks and fortified milk
Quick Comparison: Where Do You Get It?
| Source The Fun Side The Catch | ||
| Sunshine | Free, and no cooking needed | Winters in Europe, anyone? |
| Fatty fish | Dinner as medicine | Some don't like it |
| Supplements | Easy, tiny, no effort | Dose matters |
What About the Ayurvedic Angle?
In Ayurveda treatment of knee pain usually involves the treatment of the entire body, not just the injured spot. Practitioners may investigate such factors as digestion, diet, daily routine, and herbs. Also, people may seek the treatment for knee pain in Ayurveda, which includes massage and light physical activities.
Some people include in the list of alternative methods of knee pain relief things like sunshine, healthy food, and clinics like Karma Ayurveda knee pain treatment center. The evidence that confirms these methods is still increasing and therefore, you should always check the effect of any herbs and supplements with your doctor.
The Bottom Line
Vitamin D can be thought of as one player of your team; others including good movement, healthy weight, proper exercise, and regular medical check-ups are also there in the line-up. Dr. Puneet Dhawan highlights the importance of understanding the reason of knee pain before trying to treat it with some special vitamin.
Key Takeaways
- Vitamin D supports bones and muscles around the joint.
- There is no evidence that these dietary supplements can help with arthritis pain.
- Fixing a true defect is worthwhile.
- Before choosing the dose for your treatment, you should have your blood level tested.
- Combine food, health-related discussions and physical activity and add some Sunshine.
FAQs
Does vitamin D deficiency cause knee pain?
It is somehow connected to it but there is no definite explanation of its influence.
Do vitamin D supplements treat arthritis?
Unfortunately, no. Studies show that it's not true.
Is sunlight enough?
For some, yes. But seasons, skin tone and sunscreen do matter.
Mandatory Medical Disclaimer
Medical Disclaimer: This content is for informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of a qualified physician or healthcare provider with any questions regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it.
