Migralex Blog

Benefits of vitamin D

As I mentioned in a previous post, vitamin D deficiency is often found in patients with headaches (as well as in those with neuralgia).  Chronic pain patients with low vitamin D levels were also found to have poor exercise tolerance, making their rehabilitation more difficult.  Now, there is strong evidence from two independent studies, which involved over one thousand people, that those with low vitamin D levels were twice as likely to develop Alzheimer’s disease, other types of dementia, and strokes. 

The researchers and those commenting on this research felt that there is a need for more studies before recommendations can be made.  This response of the medical establishment is typical for its lack of common sense.  Yes, there are dangers in taking too much vitamin D, but shouldn’t they call for doctors to test for this deficiency and correct it when it is present?  Even if we don’t know exactly if vitamin D will prevent strokes, Alzheimer’s or headaches, it makes sense to keep everyone’s level in the middle of the normal range.

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There are 2 comments. Add yours.

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• On February 01, 2010 Andrew said:

  Hi. What do you think about the recommended vitamin D level?
  Vitamin D council recommends: “Adjust your dosage so that blood levels are between 50–80 ng/mL”. This is way higher than the levels recommended by doctors (30 ng).

• On April 14, 2010 Dr. Mauskop's Migralex said:

  Hi Andrew,

  Thank you for your comment.

  We would suggest following the Vitamin D council. There is no definite evidence as to what the optimal level is, however, we do know that as is the case with many vitamins and minerals (vitamin B12, folate, magnesium) blood test could be inaccurate. It usually shows only the amount of vitamin D circulating in the blood and not how much is actually inside the cells. It is not uncommon to have normal circulating levels of various vitamins and low levels inside the cells. So, it is better to aim for a higher level since there is no evidence of any harmful effects of vitamin D at those levels.

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