Reduce risk of pain from chronic knee osteoarthritis with increased vitamin D levels

A few weeks ago I told you about a Mother Jones magazine article that had me fuming.

In the author’s dismissal of multivitamins, she included a stupefying claim. She said that several nutritionists told her that vitamin deficiency is “quite rare” in the U.S.

As I said then, if you’re talking about cases of rickets and scurvy, yes. Those are rare. But vitamin insufficiency? That’s QUITE common. And the harm is immeasurable.

Here’s a perfect example…

A new study confirms a strong link between knee osteoarthritis pain and low blood levels of vitamin D.

Researchers told Life Extension Update that their results support the triage theory of Dr. Bruce Ames.

According to Ames, long-term nutrient deficiency prompts inflammation. This causes chronic health problems. And, inevitably, chronic pain accompanies those problems.

Bring up D levels, and knee osteoarthritis pain recedes.

This is especially important for black patients. They tend to have lower D levels and higher rates of knee osteoarthritis.

Does that qualify as a deficiency? Maybe not. But it’s clearly a need.

Sources:
“Do Multivitamins Really Work?” Kiera Butler, Mother Jones Magazine, March/April 2012, motherjones.com

“Insufficient vitamin D levels associated with knee arthritis pain” Life Extension Update, 11/8/12, lef.org