Micronutrient Deficiencies Linked ‍to Chronic Pain, New Study reveals

University of Arizona Health Sciences researchers uncover critically important correlations between low levels of key‍ vitamins and minerals and the presence and severity of chronic pain.

TUCSON,⁢ AZ – A groundbreaking study from the⁢ University of Arizona Health Sciences has identified strong links between deficiencies in several essential micronutrients and the experience of chronic pain. The research, wich analyzed data from the National Institutes of HealthS All of Us Research Database, suggests that‍ addressing these deficiencies could be a crucial component of a holistic approach to pain management.

The study focused on⁣ five micronutrients commonly associated with pain pathways: vitamins D, B12, and C, folate, and magnesium. Researchers examined the micronutrient status of three distinct groups: individuals without pain,those experiencing mild-to-moderate chronic pain,and individuals suffering from severe chronic pain.

Key Findings: Vitamins D, B12, ⁤Folate, and‍ Magnesium

The findings indicate a clear pattern:⁤ individuals with severe⁢ deficiencies in vitamin D, vitamin B12, folate, and⁤ magnesium were significantly more ⁤likely to report severe chronic pain. Conversely, lower levels of these same micronutrients, and a higher prevalence of these low‍ levels,‍ were observed in individuals with severe chronic pain.

“The finding that surprised⁣ us the most ⁣was that Asian females had higher vitamin⁢ B12 levels than expected,” said ⁣co-author Deborah Morris, ⁤PhD, a research laboratory manager in the Department of⁤ Neurosurgery. “Asian females with severe chronic pain had the highest vitamin B12 levels overall.‍ We ⁣were⁢ expecting it to be lower, as B12 deficiencies were seen in⁤ other gender, race, and ethnicity groups.”

Vitamin C and gender Differences

The results for vitamin C presented a ⁣different picture, with⁣ a notable gender-specific trend. Males experiencing mild-to-moderate ⁤and severe chronic pain were more likely to have ⁢low or⁤ borderline ‍low levels of vitamin C compared to‍ males without chronic pain. Furthermore, men with borderline or severe vitamin C deficiency ⁤were also more likely to report experiencing chronic pain.

implications ⁢for‍ Pain ⁢Management

Julie⁢ Pilitsis, MD, PhD, a⁤ lead researcher on the study ⁣and a member of the BIO5 ⁤Institute, emphasized ⁤the importance ⁣of personalized care. “Our study⁤ across various⁣ chronic pain ⁣conditions in a ⁢large,diverse population found that certain vitamins and mineral deficiencies‍ are more frequent in people with chronic pain,and ⁤especially in‍ some in specific racial and ethnic groups,” Pilitsis stated. “Our goal is to ‍improve the quality of life for people with chronic pain and reduce opioid ⁣usage, and these findings⁢ have‍ the potential to do that as part of a holistic approach to pain management.”

The study’s data was drawn from⁤ the All of Us research Database, a significant initiative by the National‍ Institutes of Health, with ⁤a considerable portion of its enrollment originating from the University of Arizona-Banner health program. This large and diverse participant pool allowed for robust demographic⁢ analysis.

Addressing the Chronic Pain Epidemic

The research comes at a critical time, as a November 2024 data brief from the Centers for Disease Control‍ and Prevention highlighted that nearly ‍25% of U.S. adults are living with chronic pain. This ⁣condition ⁤is associated with a diminished quality of life, increased⁣ risk of opioid misuse, and heightened rates of anxiety and depression, underscoring ⁣the urgent need ‍for effective and extensive treatment strategies.

The collaborative effort included researchers from Florida Atlantic University, ⁤Florida International University, grigore T. Popa University in Romania, and Vrije Universiteit⁢ brussel in Belgium, contributing to a broad and international‍ outlook ⁢on the complex⁣ issue of chronic pain.

Source: ⁣ University of Arizona Health ‍Sciences
Journal Reference: Goon, M., et al. (2025).Micronutrients and Chronic pain: A Cross‐Sectional Analysis. Pain⁢ Practice. doi.org/10.1111/papr.70053.