Vitamin D2 reduces neuropathic pain and depression in diabetic women

A recent study shows evidence that vitamin D2 supplementation can relieve symptoms of neuropathy pain and even depression in women with type 2 diabetes.
The research was carried out by Loyola University in Chicago. At the start of the study 61% of the women had neuropathic pain defined as burning or shooting pains in their feet or legs, whilst 74% had sensory pain defined as numbness or tingling in their hands, fingers or legs.
The women were given a weekly supplement (50,000 International Units) of vitamin D2 over the course of 6 months. The participants, which each had type 2 diabetes, were monitored at 3 and 6 months for signs of pain and depression.
The results of the study showed that over the course of the study depression had decreased and neuropathic and sensory pain had significantly reduced at the 3 and 6 month marks.
Depression and nerve pain are both common complications of diabetes. Current treatments for neuropathy are limited to using painkillers to alleviate symptoms of pain. The latest research into vitamin D supplementation shows promise and the researchers plan to follow up the study with tests on two different doses on vitamin D3.