Combatting Fatigue and Bone Pain: The Impact of Vitamin D Treatment in the General Practice Setting

• Manal H. Algraiw

  Department of Epidemiology and Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tripoli, Tripoli. Libya

  Author

• Huda H . Algriw

  Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Tripoli, Libya

  Author

• Omar I. Abusnena

  Department of Epidemiology and Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tripoli, Tripoli. Libya

  Author

Vitamin D deficiency is a global health problem associated with chronic musculoskeletal pain. Addressing this deficiency is vital for managing pain and fatigue syndromes. Objective: To assess if treating vitamin D deficiency in patients with persistent unspecific pain of the muscular and skeletal system reduces symptoms. Methods: This study involved 80 patients in Tripoli, Libya, suffering long-term, unexplained bone and muscle pain receiving treatment at primary health care centers. Vitamin D levels were measured, injections were administered to those with deficiencies, followed by blood levels and pain severity assessments. Eighty participants (18 men, 62 women) were studied. Mean serum vitamin D levels increased from 8.4 to 36.1 post-treatment. The average age was 38.9 ± 7 years (range 18-70). Pre-treatment levels were 11.1 in men and 7.6 in women, rising to 28.9 in men and 38.5 in women. A significant reduction in chronic non-specific bone pain was noted, with serum levels improving from 8.4 ± 7.4 to 36.11 ± 5.1 (79) = -16.6, p<0.001. Participants with chronic fatigue and muscle pain had low vitamin D levels, which significantly improved after treatment. More research is needed to determine how optimal vitamin D levels can reduce fatigue, chronic bone pain, and muscle weakness. Routine vitamin D deficiency testing should be standard for individuals with chronic pain, particularly those experiencing bone pain and fatigue. Public education on the importance of vitamin D, its natural food sources, and the benefits of sunlight exposure is crucial for increasing levels.

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