Vitamin D is an essential component that the body needs to for various bodily functions. Vitamin D is essential for the bones and teeth, the immune system, brain health, and for regulating inflammation. Lack of vitamin D can lead to vitamin D deficiency and it can cause weak bones — a condition called osteoporosis in adults and rickets in children.
Vitamin D deficiency can also increase the risk of cancer, heart disease and stroke, depression, multiple sclerosis and type 2 diabetes. Do you know lack of vitamin D can also persistent headaches?
Dr Vikas Doshi, Consultant Physician, Bhailal Amin General Hospital, Vadodara revealed that vitamin D deficiency is linked to headaches because it can affect inflammation and the functioning of neurons.
“Migraines and headaches can also be linked to vitamin D, through its role in magnesium absorption. Magnesium is crucial for healthy nerve transmission and protects against neuron cell death, Vitamin D can lead to reduced migraine, and magnesium absorption, which may trigger more migraine,” Dr. Doshi told Financial Express.com.
Vitamin D reduces nitric oxide production, which acts as a mediator of migraines. During headache attacks, nitric oxide levels increase in the blood. Vitamin D may help decrease migraine attacks by reducing nitric oxide synthesis.
He also highlighted that vitamin D also impacts serotonin and it can influence the release of serotonin and dopamine both of which are connected to migraines. Apart from its role in migraine, vitamin D deficiency can cause depression, which is common among headache patients.
“A Study also revealed the evidence underlining the connection between headache and vitamin D based on vitamin D receptors. One alpha-hydroxylase and vitamin D binding protein in the brain mainly in the hypothalamus, essentially certain vitamin D receptor gene variations are also linked to migraine. Migraine research also shows a strong link between low vitamin D levels and chronic muscle pain, suggesting a connection to chronic tension-type headaches,” Dr. Doshi told Financial Express.com.
Signs and symptoms of vitamin D deficiency can surface in a variety of ways, mainly causing issues with bones and muscles. Certain medical illnesses that primarily lead to the absorption of vitamin D can also lead to vitamin D deficiency and one of the symptoms of such deficiency, besides the primary disease symptoms can also be a headache, otherwise symptoms of vitamin D deficiency may include fatigue, frequent illness, anxiety, bone pain, lower wound healing, and also mental health issues.
How to get more vitamin D?
The main three ways are sunlight, diet and supplementation. Dr. Doshi emphasised that your vitamin D needs differ from your neighbours so doctors run tests ask questions and look into your health and medical history before treating you. However, most healthy adults need about 15 µg of vitamin D daily, if you’re running low.
“We usually suggest sunlight exposure, optimising sun exposure without increasing the risk of skin cancer. A few minutes of direct sun on your arms, legs, face or back without sunscreen must be a good rule of thumb. Eating more fatty fish, dairy products, orange juice, and eggs can help boost vitamin D levels,” he said.
Supplements can also be a safe and effective way to increase vitamin D levels, but discuss it with the specialist first to determine the appropriate dose for you, he informed.
“If there is a link between headaches and vitamin D deficiency. Call the endocrine centre or your physician or schedule an appointment online to find out if vitamin D deficiency is the culprit behind your headache,” he added.