Vitamin D supplementation as a probable measure to alleviate musculoskeletal pain, prevent infection and enhance physical ability among Indian adults from urban low socioeconomic backgrounds: An observational study

Abstract

Problem Considered: Vitamin D deficiency is a global concern that needs significant attention. This observational study reports the impact of Vitamin D supplementation on general body aches, frequency of infection, and energy levels among Indian adults. Methods: This study included 508 adults aged 19–89 years old from low socioeconomic backgrounds who were given Vitamin D supplements for 4 months. The severity of musculoskeletal symptoms, frequency of infection or its symptoms, and perceived energy levels of the participants before and after the exposure were measured using a structured questionnaire. Data were analyzed descriptively for the frequencies, and a Chi-square and Wilcoxon signed-rank test was used to analyze the impact of Vitamin D on the variables studied. Results: The majority of the participants were female (82.3%) and were never exposed to Vitamin D supplementation earlier (84%). Nearly 65% of the participants were either homemakers, students, unemployed, or retired. Vitamin D supplementation was significantly associated with the reduction in back pain (P < 0.001), fatigue and body pain (P < 0.001), knee pain (P < 0.001), and pain in the hands and legs (P < 0.001). Vitamin D also significantly reduced the frequency of infection and/or its symptoms (P < 0.001) and improved physical work capacity (P < 0.001). Conclusion: Vitamin D supplementation for urban low socioeconomic groups may be beneficial as it can reduce the pain, frequency of infection and improve general well-being. The limitations of this study, such as the lack of a nonexposed group and data on the Vitamin D status of the participants, warrant consideration in future studies.