Vitamin D2026-05

The Role of Vitamin D in Neuropathic Pain: Biological Mechanisms and Clinical Relevance.

García-Domínguez Mario — International journal of molecular sciences

Summary

Neuropathic pain is a challenging condition, and new research suggests that vitamin D might play a role in its management. Beyond its well-known benefits for bones, vitamin D has properties that protect nerves and regulate the immune system, potentially influencing how we perceive pain. Studies show a link between low vitamin D and worse pain, and some trials indicate that supplements could help reduce symptoms in certain individuals, though more research is needed to understand the full picture.

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Abstract

Neuropathic pain remains a major clinical challenge due to its complex pathophysiology and limited treatment efficacy. Recent evidence suggests that vitamin D, beyond its classical role in bone and mineral metabolism, exerts neuroprotective and immunomodulatory effects that may influence pain perception. This review synthesizes current findings on the relationship between vitamin D status and neuropathic pain, highlighting potential mechanisms such as modulation of neuroinflammation, regulation of neuronal excitability, and influence on neurotransmitter pathways. Observational studies frequently report an association between vitamin D deficiency and increased pain severity, while interventional trials indicate that supplementation may alleviate neuropathic symptoms in specific populations. However, results remain heterogeneous, and mechanistic studies are still emerging. Understanding the interplay between vitamin D and neuropathic pain could open new avenues for adjunctive therapeutic strategies and personalized medicine approaches. Further high-quality clinical trials and mechanistic research are warranted to clarify causality and optimize clinical applications.

View on PubMed →DOI: 10.3390/ijms27114671