Summary: A new population study links more frequent chronic headaches with lower serum vitamin D levels.
Source: University of Eastern Finland.
Vitamin D deficiency appears to increase the risk of chronic headache, according to a new analysis from the University of Eastern Finland published in Scientific Reports.
The findings come from the Kuopio Ischaemic Heart Disease Risk Factor Study (KIHD), which examined serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] concentrations and the occurrence of self-reported frequent headache among 2,601 men aged 42–60 years who participated in baseline examinations between 1984 and 1989. Overall, 68% of participants had serum 25(OH)D levels below 50 nmol/L, commonly used as the threshold for vitamin D insufficiency or deficiency. A total of 250 men (9.6% of the study population) reported chronic headache occurring at least weekly.
Men who reported frequent headaches had lower average serum vitamin D concentrations than those without frequent headaches. After adjusting for age and timing of blood sampling, the average 25(OH)D concentration among men with frequent headache was 38.3 nmol/L, compared with 43.9 nmol/L among men without frequent headache (difference statistically significant).
When participants were divided into quartiles by serum 25(OH)D concentration, those in the lowest quartile had more than twice the odds of frequent headache compared with men in the highest quartile, even after multivariable adjustment. The association persisted after accounting for potential confounders, and a clear trend was observed across quartiles.
The analysis also showed seasonal variation consistent with vitamin D physiology: chronic headache was reported more frequently by men whose examinations took place outside the summer months (June–September), when UVB exposure and endogenous vitamin D synthesis are highest in regions far from the Equator. In Finland and similar northern latitudes, summer sun exposure typically raises serum 25(OH)D levels, while people rely on dietary sources or supplements for vitamin D during the rest of the year.
These results add to a growing body of evidence suggesting that low vitamin D status may be linked to a higher risk of several chronic conditions, including headache. Previous research on vitamin D and headache has produced mixed results, and many earlier studies were substantially smaller than the KIHD analysis. The new, larger population-based findings strengthen the case for further investigation but do not demonstrate causation.
At present, evidence about the long-term benefits and potential harms of high-dose vitamin D supplementation remains incomplete. To address this, the University of Eastern Finland is conducting the Finnish Vitamin D Trial (FIND), a five-year randomized study evaluating daily supplementation with 40 or 80 micrograms (mcg) of vitamin D. FIND will examine effects on cardiovascular and metabolic risk factors, disease incidence, and various pain conditions, including outcomes related to headache.
Source: Jyrki Virtanen – University of Eastern Finland
Original Research: “Low serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D is associated with higher risk of frequent headache in middle-aged and older men” by Jyrki K. Virtanen, Rashid Giniatullin, Pekka Mäntyselkä, Sari Voutilainen, Tarja Nurmi, Jaakko Mursu, Jussi Kauhanen, and Tomi-Pekka Tuomainen. Scientific Reports. Published online January 3, 2017. DOI: 10.1038/srep39697
Abstract (condensed)
The study evaluated cross-sectional associations between serum 25(OH)D concentration and prevalence of frequent headache (defined as weekly or daily headaches) among 2,601 men aged 42–60 years from the KIHD cohort. The mean serum 25(OH)D concentration was 43.4 nmol/L (SD 18.9). A total of 250 men (9.6%) reported frequent headache. After adjustment for age, calendar time, and other covariates, men in the lowest versus highest 25(OH)D quartile had 113% higher odds of frequent headache (95% CI 42%–218%), and there was a significant trend across quartiles. The authors conclude that low serum 25(OH)D concentration was associated with a markedly higher prevalence of frequent headache in middle-aged and older men.
This report summarizes published research findings. It does not replace medical advice. Vitamin D status can be assessed by blood testing, and decisions about supplementation should be made with a qualified healthcare professional, taking into account individual risk factors, dietary intake, seasonal sunlight exposure, and current clinical guidelines.