New Research Links Low Micronutrient Levels to Ongoing Pain

Persistent pain is one of the most common health problems of our time. According to the German Pain Society e. V. and current analyses about 23 million Germans, or around 28 percent of the population, suffer from pain that has been lasting for more than three months. While medications often help to alleviate the symptoms, the underlying causes often remain hidden.

A cross-sectional analysis published in the medical journal Pain Practice now provides strong evidence that people with persistent pain are significantly less well-nourished with certain micronutrients than pain-free individuals - and to a surprisingly large extent.

The study: How was it investigated?

To investigate the relationship between micronutrients and the intensity of persistent pain, researchers from the University of Arizona Health Sciences analyzed data from the "All of Us" database - a large US health study with tens of thousands of participants. They divided people into three groups: without pain, with mild to moderate ongoing pain, and with severe ongoing pain.

The blood serum levels of five micronutrients were examined:

• Vitamin D (25-hydroxyvitamin D)

• Vitamin B12

• Folic acid

• Magnesium

• Vitamin C

The results:

People with severe persistent pain had significantly lower blood levels of several nutrients:

• Vitamin D: Particularly common below the recommended range - in all pain groups, but most pronounced in severe pain.

• Vitamin B12 and Folic Acid: Both vitamins, important for nerves and cell regeneration, were low in pain patients.

• Magnesium: Especially in cases of severe pain symptoms, borderline or low values were more frequently observed.

• Vitamin C: There was a clear correlation among men: men with mild to severe pain more often had low vitamin C levels.

What does this mean for us?

These results suggest that micronutrient deficiencies may play a role in the development or exacerbation of ongoing pain - or at least in their manifestation. However, the study does not prove that a lack of nutrients is the cause of pain.

The researchers suggest that addressing micronutrient deficiencies with vitamin D, B12, C, folic acid, and magnesium could be a measure to reduce pain.

Conclusion: A new perspective on the causes of pain

Persistent pain is a complex topic - and every new insight is a step towards better understanding. This study makes it clear: Persistent pain and nutrient deficiencies often occur together. - and micronutrients such as vitamin D, magnesium, and B vitamins could play a central role in pain regulation.

For many affected individuals, it is therefore worthwhile not only to treat the pain but also to support the body with the right nutrients.