Is Fibromyalgia a Vitamin D Deficiency Syndrome?

Is Fibromyalgia a Vitamin D Deficiency Syndrome?How much vitamin D does the average person
Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition characterized byneed? In the summer, those with at least 15
widespread pain in your muscles, ligaments andminutes of sun exposure on their skin most days
tendons, as well as fatigue and multiple tendershould take around 1,000 I.U.s of vitamin D3 each
points — places on your body where slightday. In the winter, those with dark skin, or those
pressure causes pain. Fibromyalgia is morewho have little sun exposure on their skin, should
common in women than in men. Previously,take up to 2,000-4,000 I.U.s each day. Those who
fibromyalgia was known by other names such ashave darker skin, are older, avoid sun exposure
fibrositis, chronic muscle pain syndrome,or live in the northern US should take the higher
psychogenic rheumatism and tension myalgias.amounts, around 2,000 I.U.’s a day.
Studies on vitamin D continue to show a directVitamin D is remarkably safe; there have been no
association with chronic pain, poor immunedeaths caused by the vitamin. People consuming
function, anxiety, depression, and fatigue. Theseonly government-recommended levels of 200-400
symptoms are all associated with fibromyalgia.IU/day often have blood levels considerably below
A study that appeared in Rheumatology shows50 ng/ml. This means the government’s
that 62 of 75 fibromyalgia study participants wererecommendations are too low, and should be
low in vitamin D. The subjects who were low inraised for optimal health function. High Dose
vitamin D reported more pain, depression, andVitamin D can be purchased at a number of
fatigue.health food or big name drug stores.
According to the Mayo Clinic Proceedings (Dec.About Dr. Murphree
2003), vitamin D deficiency is one possible causeDr. Murphree is a board certified nutritional
of persistent and vague musculoskeletal pain.specialist and chiropractic physician who has been
A University of Minnesota study of 150 childrenin private practice since 1990. He is the founder
and adults suffering with vague musculoskeletaland past clinic director for a large integrated
pain found that 93% were deficient in vitamin D.medical practice located on the campus of
The worst vitamin D deficiencies were found inBrookwood Hospital in Birmingham Alabama. The
women of childbearing age.clinic was staffed with medical doctors,
Quite surprisingly I’m finding that many of mychiropractors, acupuncturists, nutritionists, and
fibromyalgia patients are low in vitamin D, even inmassage therapists. The clinic combined
the sunny southeastern United States. Anyoneprescription and natural medicines for acute and
with fibromyalgia should be tested for vitamin Dchronic illnesses. He is the author of 5 books for
deficiency. The test is inexpensive and vitamin Dpatients and doctors, including "Treating and
supplementation costs pennies.Beating Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue
The largest portion of vitamin D is produced bySyndrome," "Heart Disease What Your Doctor
our own body with the aid of sunlight.Won't Tell You,” and "Treating and Beating
Unfortunately, Americans often do not haveAnxiety and Depression with Orthomolecular
enough exposure to sunlight for optimum health,Medicine."
according to physician Dr. James E. Dowd, authorIn 2002 Dr. Murphree sold his medical practice and
of the new book "The Vitamin Cure" (Wiley). Dr.now maintains a busy solo practice specializing in
Dowd says 55 percent of children and 60 percentfibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, heart
of all people in the United States lack healthfuldisease, mood disorders, and other chronic
levels of vitamin D.illnesses. He can be reached toll free
Anyone with fibromyalgia or poor health in general1-888-884-9577 or at 205-879-2383 For more
should get their vitamin D levels tested. Quiteinformation about fibromyalgia for more
surprisingly I’m finding that many of myinformation about Dr. Muphree and fibromyalgia
patients are low in vitamin D, even in the sunnytreatingandbeating.
southeastern United States.