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Pain medicine Terapia 2023, 6 ( 425 ) :  62  -  70

The role of vitamin D3 in chronic pain patients

Summary: The basic calcemic effects of vitamin D and its role in calcium homeostasis and bone metabolism are well understood, and the correlation between hypovitaminosis D and the occurrence of bone pain in humans is well documented. However, the mechanisms by which vitamin D may influence nociception processes are poorly understood. This article discusses clinical and experimental animal studies that suggest a link between low levels of vitamin D and higher rates of chronic pain, although no such clear-cut relationship has been demonstrated in humans. The research results indicate a significant correlation and participation of vitamin D in nociception processes through its influence on numerous ion channels, modulation of the expression of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines, neurotrophic factors, prostaglandin levels, oxidative processes, the opioid system and the activity of immunocompetent cells. It has also been shown that vitamin D affects the risk and course of autoimmune diseases, cardiovascular diseases and cancer, which may be associated with chronic pain in humans. The article also presents the most important clinical recommendations regarding vitamin D supplementation and treatment, as well as currently available vitamin D preparations on the Polish market, their side effects and safety of use.
Keywords: vitamin D, cholecalciferol, pain, chronic pain, nociception

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