Recent studies have shown a correlation between low Vitamin D levels and sickle pains. Case studies have shown significant relief of sickle pain with Vitamin D supplementation.
Complete Resolution of Sickle Cell Chronic Pain With High Dose Vitamin D Therapy: A Case Report and Review of the Literature
Ifeyinwa Osunkwo, MD, MPH
J Pediatr Hematol Oncol 2011;33:549–551 abstract here
- “>20% of adult patients with SCD [sickle cell disease] had daily pain and >50% reported pain at least 50% of the time.”
- 10% of children with SCD had daily pain, whereas 20% experienced pain between 20% and 40% of the time
- Vitamin D deficiency between 60-100% in SCD
- Supplementation with 50,000 units (Osto D2 here in Canada) twice weekly for 8 week and weeekly thereafter completely relieved pains including headaches in one case.
Comment – If you have sickle cell get vitamin D tested and keep levels high. I would take Vit D 50,000 (Osto D2) IU once every 5-7 days