Low Vitamin D Levels Linked to Chronic Headaches

04 Jan 2017 --- A lack of vitamin D in the diet may increase the risk of developing a chronic headache, according to a new study from the University of Eastern Finland, published in Scientific Reports.

The Kuopio Ischaemic Heart Disease Risk Factor Study, KIHD, analyzed the serum vitamin D levels and occurrence of headache in approximately 2,600 men aged between 42 and 60 years in 1984-1989.

In 68% of these men, the serum vitamin D level was below 50 nmol/l, which is generally considered the threshold for vitamin D deficiency.

Chronic headache occurring at least on a weekly basis was reported by 250 men, and men reporting chronic headache had lower serum vitamin D levels than others.

When the study population was divided into four groups based on their serum vitamin D levels, the group with the lowest levels had over a twofold risk of chronic headache in comparison to the group with the highest levels.

Notably, chronic headache was also more frequently reported by men who were examined outside the summer months of June through to September. Due to UVB radiation from the sun, the average serum vitamin D levels are higher during the summer months.

The study adds to the accumulating body of evidence linking a low intake of vitamin D to an increased risk of chronic diseases. Previously, low vitamin D levels have been associated with the risk of headache also by some earlier studies, although these were considerably smaller.

In Finland and other countries far from the Equator, UVB radiation from the sun is a sufficient source of vitamin D during the summer months, but outside the summer season, people need to make sure that they get sufficient vitamin D from food or from vitamin D supplements to ensure they are getting enough.

For now, no scientific evidence relating to the benefits and possible adverse effects of long-term use in higher doses yet exists. However, the Finnish Vitamin D Trial, FIND, which is currently on going at the University of Eastern Finland, aims to shed light on this question.

The five-year on-going trial analyses the effects of high daily doses of vitamin D on the risk factors and development of diseases.

The trial participants are taking a vitamin D supplement of 40 or 80 micrograms per day. The trial also investigates the effects of vitamin D supplementation on various pain conditions.