Berkovitz, Saul, Ambler, Gareth, Jenkins, Michael et al. · International journal for vitamin and nutrition research. Internationale Zeitschrift fur Vitamin- und Ernahrungsforschung. Journal international de vitaminologie et de nutrition · 2009 · DOI
This study measured vitamin D levels in 221 ME/CFS patients and found they were significantly lower than in healthy people from the general British population. Because ME/CFS patients often spend less time outdoors and are less physically active, they may not get enough sun exposure to produce adequate vitamin D naturally. The researchers suggest that ME/CFS patients should try to get more sunlight and eat vitamin D-rich foods, and may benefit from vitamin D supplements if levels remain low.
Vitamin D deficiency may contribute to bone health complications in ME/CFS patients, who are at particular risk due to reduced mobility and indoor confinement. This study provides quantitative evidence supporting official clinical guidelines for vitamin D monitoring and supplementation in this population, offering a potentially modifiable factor that could improve long-term health outcomes.
This study does not establish whether low vitamin D is a cause of ME/CFS symptoms or merely a consequence of reduced activity and sun exposure. It cannot prove that vitamin D supplementation will improve ME/CFS symptoms or fatigue, nor does it demonstrate causation for any associated complications. The cross-sectional design means the direction of association cannot be determined.
About the PEM badge: “PEM required” means post-exertional malaise was an explicit required diagnostic criterion for participant inclusion in this study — not that PEM was studied, observed, or discussed. Studies using criteria that do not require PEM (e.g. Fukuda, Oxford) are tagged “PEM not required”. How the atlas works →
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