Vitamin D deficiency may cause increased muscle pain and sensitivity.

Vitamin D deficiency can lead to increased muscular pain and sensitivity.

Perineural. Photo: Wikimedia Commons

Perineural. Photo: Wikimedia Commons

A study published in the Journal of Neuroscience found that people lacking vitamin D exhibited increased sensitivity within specific deep muscle nerve fibers – resulting in mechanical deep muscle hypersensitivity and pain (Taque, 2011).

 

The study noted that nociceptors (pain-sensing nerves) expressed vitamin D receptors (VDR), which suggested that they were reactive to the level of available vitamin D – to be scientifically specific, 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D – and that a lack of vitamin D could affect the pain-sensing nerves in a negative manner.


 

After 2-4 weeks of keeping rats on a vitamin D-deficient diet, the animals exhibited deep muscular hypersensitivity, but no cutanous hypersensitivity. Additionally, balance problems were seen in the vitamin D-deficient test subjects.

 

Result:

In the present study, rats receiving vitamin D-deficient diets for 2-4 weeks showed mechanical deep muscle hypersensitivity, but not cutaneous hypersensitivity. Muscle hypersensitivity was accompanied by balance deficits and occurred before onset of overt muscle or bone pathology. Hypersensitivity was not due to hypocalcemia and was actually accelerated by increased dietary calcium. Morphometry of skeletal muscle innervation showed increased numbers of presumptive nociceptor axons (peripherin-positive axons containing calcitonin gene-related peptide), without changes in sympathetic or skeletal muscle motor innervation. Similarly, there was no change in epidermal innervation.

 

It is of particular note that the hypersensitivity did not deem from a lack of calcium – and that dietary calcium (in this study) actually increased the muscle hypersensitivity.

 

A similar study was conducted amongst cell cultures, and the result was similar:

 

In culture, sensory neurons displayed enriched VDR expression in growth cones, and sprouting was regulated by VDR-mediated rapid response signaling pathways, while sympathetic outgrowth was not affected by different concentrations of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D.

 

In a vitamin D-deficient culture scenario, the sensory neurons (pain-sensing) displayed more activation of the vitamin D receptors.

 

Conclusion:

These findings indicate that vitamin D deficiency can lead to selective alterations in target innervation, resulting in presumptive nociceptor hyperinnervation of skeletal muscle, which in turn is likely to contribute to muscular hypersensitivity and pain.

 

 Are you getting enough vitamin D? If you need supplements, we recommend:

Nutrigold Vitamin D3

360 capsules (GMO-free, Preservative-free, Soy-free, USP Grade Natural Vitamin D in Organic Olive Oil). Click link or image to learn more.

 

Relevant links:

D-ribose treatment for Fibromyalgia, ME and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

 

References:

Taque et al (2011). Vitamin D deficiency promotes skeletal muscle hypersensitivity and sensory hyperinnervation. Available online: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21957236

 

D-Ribose treatment for Fibromyalgia, ME and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome?

D-Ribose Norge. Foto: Wikimedia Commons

D-Ribose. Foto: Wikimedia Commons

D-Ribose treatment for Fibromyalgia, ME and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.

Fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome (also known as ME) are debilitating syndromes often associated with impaired cellular metabolism – which results in less cellular energy. What exactly is D-Ribose, you say? Without going too deeply into the world of chemistry – it’s a organic chemical component (sugar – isomers) which is essential for ensuring cellular energy for both DNA and RNA. Research has shown that D-Ribose may help provide symptomatic relief to people suffering from fibromyalgia and ME / CFS .

 


DNA definition: A nucleic acid that carries the genetic information in the cell and is capable of self-replication and synthesis of RNA (see below). DNA consists of two long chains of nucleotides twisted into a double helix together with hydrogen bonds between complementary bases adenine and thymine or cytosine and guanine. The sequence of nucleotides determines individual hereditary characteristics .

 

RNA definition: A polymeric constituent of all living cells and many viruses, consisting of a long, usually single -stranded chain of alternating phosphate and ribose units with the bases adenine, guanine, cytosine, uracil – bound to ribose. RNA molecules are involved in protein synthesis and sometimes in the transfer of genetic information. Also known as ribonucleic acid.

 

Research regarding D-Ribose treatment for fibromyalgia, ME and chronic fatigue syndrome:

In a pilot study by Teitelbaum (2006 ), 41 patients diagnosed with fibromyalgia and / or chronic fatigue syndrome were given D-ribose supplementation. Patients measured their progress in several categories, including sleep, mental presence, pain, relaxation, and overall improvement . Over 65 % of patients experienced significant improvement of D – ribose , with almost 50 % average increase in reported energy level and a sense of well-being that was 30 % improved.

 

 

«Approximately 66% of patients experienced significant improvement while on D-ribose, with an average increase in energy on the VAS of 45% and an average improvement in overall well-being of 30% (p < 0.0001).»

 

The study concluded that D-ribose had a clinically significant effect in symptom relief for fibromyalgia and ME patients:

 

«D-ribose significantly reduced clinical symptoms in patients suffering from fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome.»

 

D-RIBOSE: Recommended product (via Amazon)

1 TUB D-RIBOSE-: D-Ribose supplementation may be used in treatment against fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrom. (Press the picture to learn more about the product). Always consult your physician before starting a new dietary supplementation.

 

TRAINING PROGRAM for fibromyalgia, CFS and ME patients – get your energy back:


FROM FATIGUED TO FANTASTIC: A Clinically Proven Program to Regain Vibrant Health and Overcome Chronic Fatigue and Fibromyalgia. (Click the book or link to learn more).

This is what Tami Brady has to say:

«If I have learned nothing else from my experiences with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Fibromyalgia, I have come to understand the need to educate myself about my health issues. Often health care professionals simply don’t have the knowledge of how to help my symptoms. Unless they specialize in these conditions, they simply can’t keep up with the bulk of current research. Therefore, the onus is on me, as someone dedicated to my good health, to be part of the solution.

For those individuals wanting to educate themselves on Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Fibromyalgia, From Fatigued to Fantastic is a very good resource. It begins with those fundamental questions that we all ask. What are these conditions? What causes them? Why did I get them?

The author then takes the reader deeper into his or her own concerns. Each section lays out particular symptoms, the root of these problems, and what can be done to alleviate these specific issues. I really like that the author sets out a variety of different alternatives. Some involve diet and exercise modification while others involve herbal supplements and/or prescription medication.» – T. Brady

 


We have found via personal experience that people with fibromyalgia and ME / CFS has reported a significantly better quality of life after the addition of D-ribose and by implementing the advice read in this book. It does not work for everyone, but it’s up to you to decide whether you want to give it a try. Best of luck.

 

Feel free to ask questions in the comments section below – we guarantee you’ll get an answer.

 

References :

Teitelbaum JE, Johnson C, St Cyr J. The use of D-ribose in chronic fatigue syndrome and fibromyalgia: a pilot study. J Altern Complement Med. 2006 Nov;12(9):857-62.

 

Relevant links:

  • The FIBROMYALGIA cookbook: The rules are few and basic: no meat, no green peppers, no eggplant. But these simple rules – eating pure foods with no additives, the least toxins, and the most nutrition – can give fibromyalgia patients energy and motivation they never thought possible. This title includes: more than 135 delicious recipes; foreword explaining the nature of the disease and the role of diet in finding relief; glossary clarifying the strengths and dangers of specific foods; and, substitution suggestions.