October 10, 2024
Medically Reviewed By Elizabeth A. Swick, MS, RDN

Does Taking Vitamin D Help Ease Rheumatoid Arthritis Symptoms?

Vitamin D and Immune System Regulation

Bo For instance, in both patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) which is also an autoimmune condition and healthy patients, vitamin D deficiency is associated with increased autoimmune response. This seems to be due to the fact that vitamin D has the ability to modulate immune cells, such as B cells, T cells, and antigen presenting cells, all of which carry vitamin D receptors.

Vitamin D Deficiency

Common Causes of Vitamin D Deficiency

Low vitamin D levels can be caused by a number of lifestyle and medical factors, including a lack of exposure to sunlight, insufficient consumption of foods containing vitamin D (especially for those living in regions where vitamin D fortification from the sun is uncommon), medications that interfere with the body’s ability to absorb or produce its own vitamin D, as well as weight loss surgery.

Additional contributors to vitamin D deficiency may include older age, conditions that cause intestinal malabsorption (such as Crohn’s disease and celiac disease), having a higher concentration of melanin in the skin (which can result in production of less vitamin D from sun exposure), and kidney and liver disease.

Symptoms Associated with Vitamin D Deficiency

Although most of those with a mild vitamin D deficiency may have no symptoms at all, here are the most common vitamin D deficiency symptoms:

Increased pain sensitivity
Muscle pain
Bone pain
Tingling in the hands and feet
Muscle weakness in and around the trunk, including the upper arms and thighs
Waddling due to hip/leg muscle weakness
Broken bones
Muscular tremors, spasms, and twitching

In severe cases, symptoms of vitamin D deficiency may even include bowed legs (also known as rickets), particularly in children suffering from this condition while growing.

The Link Between Lack of Vitamin D and Rheumatoid Arthritis Symptoms

Those who have received a rheumatoid arthritis diagnosis may not be aware of the notable relationship between vitamin D and arthritis. Specifically, lack of vitamin D has been linked to an increased likelihood of developing rheumatoid arthritis.

Research Findings

In one study, fewer than a third of those that have been diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis were found to have the baseline vitamin D levels needed to maintain bone health (i.e., blood levels of at least 20 nanograms of vitamin D per millileter).

Although the likely link between vitamin D deficiency and rheumatoid arthritis is concerning, it may also highlight a potential opportunity for patients with this condition to manage their symptoms more effectively by increasing their intake of this vitamin. Early research is highly promising, and further research may find that vitamin D is one of the most effective supplements for rheumatoid arthritis management.

One study published in the Journal of Clinical Rheumatology not only confirmed that rates of vitamin D deficiency are much higher in those with rheumatoid arthritis than that of the general population, but that this deficiency has also been associated with higher levels of chronic pain and reduced physical and mental quality of life.

Similarly, another study found that supplementing with vitamin D and omega-3 may contribute to better treatment results for those in the early stages of rheumatoid arthritis.

A systematic review and meta-analysis of six high-quality studies on the subject found that vitamin D supplementation seems to be an effective intervention for rheumatoid arthritis patients and is believed to do so by inhibiting levels of cytokines (which are a group of proteins that regulate the immune system and control inflammation).

Sources of Vitamin D to Support Reduced Symptoms of Rheumatoid Arthritis

Natural Sources of Vitamin D

For those who would prefer to get their daily dose of vitamin D without supplementation, here are the best ways do so:

Sunlight

When the skin is exposed to UV rays, cholesterol in the skin is converted to vitamin D3. According to the National Institutes of Health, some experts commonly recommend getting between five and thirty minutes of sun exposure per day (or at least twice per week), especially between 10am and 4pm and on the face, arms, hands, and legs. However, prolonged sun exposure can also lead to skin cancer, so it’s essential to balance the two concerns and discuss your specific medical needs with your doctor.

Diet

A beneficial diet for rheumatoid arthritis is thought to be one that incorporates plenty of all the essential micronutrients, including vitamin D. Here are some of the best dietary sources of vitamin D:

Cod liver oil
Fatty fish, such as salmon, sardines, and herring (especially those that are wild-caught)
Canned tuna
Mushrooms (specifically those that have been exposed to UV light)
Liver
Egg yolks
Foods that have been fortified with vitamin D, including cow’s milk, soy milk, orange juice, cereal, and oatmeal

Vitamin D Supplements

In addition to getting your daily dose of vitamin D from natural sources such as the sun and via your diet, vitamin D supplementation is another option to get plenty of the “sunshine vitamin.” Naturally, it’s also a go-to treatment for deficiency of vitamin D.

Here’s an overview of the most vital details to know about vitamin D supplements:

Types of Vitamin D Supplements: Vitamin D2 vs. Vitamin D3

The two primary categories of vitamin D supplements are those containing vitamin D2 (ergocalciferol, commonly found in plants and mushrooms) and those containing vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol, found in animal foods). These two forms are chemically similar but have differing side-chain structures, and both are absorbed well via the small intestine. However, vitamin D3 may be more effective at raising blood levels of vitamin D.

Vitamin D Supplement Dosages

Recommended dosages for vitamin D vary and have changed over time as research on the topic has progressed. The Mayo Clinic recommends that adults reach the recommended dietary allowance of 600 IU of vitamin D at a minimum. But they also advise that 1,000 to 2,000 IU of vitamin D per day is typically safe, can help people ensure that their blood levels of vitamin D are sufficient, and could potentially provide additional health benefits.

Safety Considerations for Vitamin D Supplementation

Taking more than 4000 IU of vitamin D per day for extended periods of time may be unsafe and can cause abnormally elevated blood levels of calcium. Before beginning to supplement with vitamin D (or any vitamin), it is strongly recommended to speak with a qualified medical professional to confirm that it is an appropriate choice for your unique health needs.

Body Kitchen Vitamin D + K2

One of the best vitamin D supplements on the market is Body Kitchen’s Vitamin D + K2, which contains a combination of 5,000 IU of vitamin D3 and 180 mg of vitamin K2. Vitamins D and K work together to support bone strength, heart health, and other essential bodily functions. In this supplement, the two vitamins are in their most bioavailable forms: vitamin K2 as menaquinone-7 (which is biologically active in the body for longer, allowing for improved bodily distribution) derived from a patented organic synthesis of a flower extract, and vitamin D3 that is also derived from a plant-based source.

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Does Taking Vitamin D Help Ease Rheumatoid Arthritis Symptoms?

Vitamin D and Immune System Regulation

Vitamin D Deficiency

The Link Between Lack of Vitamin D and Rheumatoid Arthritis Symptoms

Sources of Vitamin D to Support Reduced Symptoms of Rheumatoid Arthritis