Vitamin D and Pelvic Floor Disorders in Women

Vitamin D Walgreens

October 8, 2012 ~ The purpose of this evaluation was to determine if vitamin D deficiency was linked to women with pelvic floor disorders. (here)

Using data from the 2005 to 2006 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, researchers at the SUNY Upstate Medical University in Syracuse, New York looked at vitamin D levels in nonpregnant women over the age of 20.

“Our findings suggest that treatment of vitamin D insufficiency and deficiency in both premenopausal and postmenopausal women could improve pelvic muscle strength, with a possible reduction in the prevalence of pelvic floor disorders including urinary incontinence,” wrote researchers.

One in four women in the U.S. has a pelvic floor problem so these findings from 2010 have an implication for many, writes ObGyn Nurse (here).

The vitamin has also been shown to increase bone strength in women suffering from osteoporosis.

A level of less than 30 ng/mL was considered insufficient. With one or more pelvic floor disorders such as pelvic organ prolapse or incontinence reported by 23 percent of the women. Among those reporting at least one pelvic floor disorder, average vitamin D levels were significantly lower, regardless of age.

The risks decreased 6 percent as vitamin D levels increased just 5 ng/mL.

“Additionally, the likelihood of urinary incontinence was significantly reduced in women 50 and older with vitamin D levels 30 ng/mL or higher.”

Vitamin D levels are elevated when uncovered skin is exposed to sunshine, even for as little as 15 minutes a day. A minimum of 900 IU per day or more will raise blood serum levels to 30 ng/mL according to these formulas, depending on how often you take the vitamin. Others recommend higher doses in the 5,000 IU per day range.

A blood test will determine how much vitamin D is in your system at any given time.

Learn More

Check out these recommendations:

http://www.dummies.com/how-to/content/how-much-vitamin-d-does-your-body-need.html

http://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/VitaminD-QuickFacts/

http://www.mercola.com/article/vitamin-d-resources.htm