Vitamin D Supplements Albany NY

Could taking a vitamin be the cure for your aching back?  It might be if you are among the millions of Americans who are Vitamin D deficient.  Studies show that patients with chronic back pain, osteoporosis and osteoarthritis are very frequently also low on vitamin D. 

Vitamin D is a hormone that helps our bones absorb calcium and phosphorous from our intestines. These minerals are important for bone strength and health.   We get our body's Vitamin D supply from sunshine, certain foods and multivitamins. If we don't absorb or ingest enough, our bones are at risk for damage and pain. 

It used to be that people spent  plenty of time working and playing outdoors in the sun.  With the development of sunscreen and prevalence of indoor work however, few people now absorb enough Vitamin D to supply their body's needs. A study published in the Archives of Internal Medicine showed that vitamin D levels have plummeted among all U.S. ages, races, and ethnic groups over the past two decades.  Reports of chronic pain conditions, including back pain are on the rise. Vitamin D deficiency affects all ages, races and ethnicities. Common symptoms for vitamin D deficiency include symmetric low back pain, muscle weakness and aches and throbbing bone pain.

The good news is that studies also show when chronic back pain patients' replenish their Vitamin D supplies, their symptoms frequently reduce or disappear.  It also strengthened their bones and protected them from future deterioration. 

How Much Vitamin D Should You Take? 

Start with spending more time in the sun, without sunscreen.  Fifteen to twenty minutes per day should be enough to maintain Vitamin D levels.  If you live in a non-sunny climate or you've already been diagnosed with Vitamin D deficiency, sunshine will probably not be enough. 

Vitamin D supplements are inexpensive and easy to take.  Nutritionists recommend 800 to 1000 I...