News: Can vitamin D decrease pain?

If you needed another reason to up your vitamin D intake (besides our long, cold Canadian winters) a new study has a good one.

Researchers from Loyola University Chicago found that vitamin D can provide pain relief for women with type 2 diabetes and depression.

‘While further research is needed, D2 supplementation is a promising treatment for both pain and depression in type 2 diabetes,” lead study author Todd Doyle said in a press release.

Previous research has shown that vitamin D can protect the immune system, reduce the risk of respiratory infection and improve recovery rates from illness. A study from earlier this year even found that vitamin D could help prevent breast cancer.

The best source of vitamin D is the sun, but during gloomy Canadian winters it’s not always possible to get enough. While you can include fortified beverages and oily fish in your diet to up your intake, the amount of vitamin D they provide doesn’t compare to the sun or a supplement.

So how much of the sunshine vitamin should you be getting?

Health Canada recommends that adults get 600 IU (15 mcg) per day. Talk to your doctor about the right amount for you.

Do you take a vitamin D supplement during the winter? Do you find that it helps improve your mood?

-Katharine Watts, associate web editor

Related:
‘ 3 new health benefits of vitamin D
‘ 5 myths and truths about vitamin D
‘ The best sources of vitamin D