A recent study examines how physical pain affects depression treatment, as well as the role of vitamin D in this equation.
Research from Loyola University Chicago reveals that weekly vitamin D-2 supplementation might have the ability to decrease depression in diabetic women and reduce neuropathic and sensory pain.
Weekly D-2 doses
In the study, women with both diabetes and depression were given weekly doses of vitamin D-2 (50,000 IUs) for 24 weeks. Results showed that their depression “significantly improved,” while numbness and tingling in their hands, fingers and legs also improved after six months.
“Pain is a common and often serious problem for women with type 2 diabetes and depression,” said Todd Doyle, Ph.D., lead author and fellow, Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Neurosciences, Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine (SSOM). “While further research is needed, D-2 supplementation is a promising treatment for both pain and depression in type 2 diabetes.”
More trials in place
According to a press release, the Loyola researchers have received funding from the National Institute of Nursing Research to conduct a separate trial on how different doses of vitamin D-3 supplements might help diabetic women achieve better health outcomes.
“Vitamin D has widespread benefits for our health and certain chronic diseases such as type 2 diabetes,” said Sue Penckofer, Ph.D., RN, study co-author and professor, Loyola University Chicago Marcella Niehoff School of Nursing. “This NIH grant will allow us to shed greater light on understanding the role that this nutrient plays in managing the health of women with diabetes.”
Does Vitamin D (2 or 3) have any affect on men?
Can I take Vitamin D in equal doses (7000 IUs a day) over the week
or does the whole 50,000 have to be taken at the same time?