In September 2018 researchers from Jordan published the results of their study to assess the effect of correcting a vitamin D deficiency on musculoskeletal pain and accompanying symptoms of anxiety and depression. A total of 261 individuals with musculoskeletal pain and 100 controls were included in the study. Pain severity and levels of anxiety and depression were assessed. Vitamin D levels were also measured and calcium intake assessed. Results showed that 89% of individuals with musculoskeletal pain and 69% of controls had low vitamin D levels. A further analysis revealed that symptoms of anxiety and depression increased as the level of vitamin D and calcium intake decreased. Following vitamin D supplementation and an increased intake of dairy food, the musculoskeletal pain and any accompanying symptoms of anxiety and depression improved.
Abdul-Razzak KK et al. Vitamin D as potential antidepressant in outpatients with musculoskeletal pain. Int J Clin Pharmacol Ther. 2018 Sep;56(9):400-410.