In March 2019 researchers from Jordan published the results of their study to assess the relationship between vitamin D status, daily calcium intake and overactive bladder. A total of 55 individuals with and 129 individuals without a history of overactive bladder were involved in the study. Urinary and psychological symptoms were assessed and the vitamin D level measured both at the start and end of the study. 80% of the individuals with overactive bladder were found to have vitamin D deficiency as opposed to 35% in the control group. Individuals with overactive bladder received oral vitamin D supplementation plus consumed a higher amount of dairy products. Results showed that 80% of the individuals with overactive bladder had vitamin D deficiency as opposed to 35% in the control group. The incidence of depression (44%) and anxiety (53%) was also higher in the individuals with overactive bladder than in the control group (20% and 11% respectively). In addition 86% of individuals with overactive bladder experienced musculoskeletal pain as opposed to 0% in the control group. A further analysis at the end of the study revealed that vitamin D supplementation with increased calcium intake in the form of dairy products significantly improved urinary symptoms, depression and anxiety scores as well as the individual’s overall quality of life.
Abdul-Razzak KK et al. Overactive bladder and associated psychological symptoms: A possible link to vitamin D and calcium. Neurourol Urodyn. 2019 Mar 14. [Epub ahead of print]