Researchers at the University of Arizona Health Sciences have discovered a significant relationship between micronutrient deficiencies and chronic pain, potentially paving the way for personalized treatment options. The study, published in the journal Pain Practice, reveals a reciprocal connection between low levels of certain vitamins and minerals—specifically D, B12, folate, and magnesium—and the severity of chronic pain experienced by individuals.
Read More
Using data from the National Institutes of Health’s All of Us Research Database, the study emphasizes the promise of personalized nutritional interventions in managing chronic pain, which may help to enhance patient quality of life and reduce dependence on opioids. The research is notably the first large-scale investigation employing a precision medicine approach to examine micronutrient status in both pain and non-pain groups.
Julie Pilitsis, MD, PhD, the chair of the Department of Neurosurgery, highlighted that chronic pain conditions often go undiagnosed. She noted, "Just because there isn’t a surgery that will help you doesn’t mean you’re not in pain... our understanding of pain is limited to date." This study represents a novel approach by examining systemic factors, such as diet, that can be modified easily compared to conventional treatments.
The research focused on micronutrients recognized for their associations with chronic pain. Participants were categorized into three groups: those without pain, those with mild-to-moderate pain, and those with severe pain. Findings indicated that individuals experiencing severe chronic pain showed higher rates of deficiencies in vitamin D, B12, folate, and magnesium.
Co-author Deborah Morris, PhD, noted a surprising finding regarding vitamin B12, which showed unexpectedly high levels among Asian females with severe chronic pain. In contrast, males suffering from mild-to-moderate and severe chronic pain presented with lower levels of vitamin C.
The study's demographic approach aims to debunk assumptions regarding patient conditions and highlights that deficiencies in specific vitamins and minerals occur more frequently among certain racial and ethnic groups. Morris expressed the research's goal of enhancing life quality for chronic pain patients while curbing opioid use through a comprehensive pain management strategy.
According to a November 2024 report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, nearly 25% of U.S. adults live with chronic pain, which adversely impacts their quality of life and can lead to mental health challenges. The researchers collaborated with institutions including Florida Atlantic University, Florida International University, and overseas partners in Romania and Belgium.