Effects of vitamin D on patients with fibromyalgia syndrome: a randomized placebo-controlled trial

Wepner F

Published in Pain

Methodology

Randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of individually titrated oral cholecalciferol over 20 weeks in fibromyalgia patients with 25(OH)D below 32 ng/mL, with visual analogue pain scale as primary endpoint and a post-treatment follow-up phase.

Key Findings

In 30 women with fibromyalgia and low vitamin D, 20 weeks of cholecalciferol titrated to a serum 25(OH)D of 32-48 ng/mL significantly reduced pain on a visual analogue scale versus placebo and improved physical role functioning, but morning fatigue and other quality-of-life measures were unchanged; benefit faded after supplementation ended.

Conclusions

Correcting vitamin D deficiency produced a modest reduction in pain in fibromyalgia, suggesting supplementation is worthwhile mainly in deficient patients.

Limitations

Only 30 participants, all women, benefit limited to deficient individuals, primary outcome a subjective pain scale, and effects diminished during the 24-week follow-up after treatment stopped.