How Vitamin D Levels May Hold the Key to Combatting Opioid Addiction
Source: J Science Advances (June 2021)
Lifestyle Medicine Update (June 16, 2021)
Introduction:
Opioid addiction is a grave public health crisis, and a groundbreaking study published in the journal Science Advances in June 2021 has illuminated a previously unrecognized factor in this ongoing epidemic. This research suggests that individuals with optimal vitamin D blood levels are less likely to fall victim to opioid addiction. Given the severity of the opioid crisis, this discovery carries significant implications for addiction prevention and treatment.
Vitamin D and Opioid Addiction: Uncovering the Connection
The study, drawing from data sourced in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES 2003-2004), brings to light a striking correlation: Americans with low vitamin D levels (below 20 ng/mL or 50 nmol/L) exhibit a higher propensity for opioid use and the development of opioid addiction compared to those with vitamin D levels at or above 20 ng/mL (50 nmol/). What sets this finding apart is its resilience even after accounting for factors like age, gender, history of fractures, the season of blood analysis, and the presence of chronic pain—conditions that frequently lead individuals to turn to opioids for pain relief.
The Sunshine Connection
Understanding this connection between vitamin D and opioid addiction becomes clearer when considering the role of sunlight exposure. Exposing the skin to sunlight or tanning beds not only triggers the synthesis of vitamin D but also enhances the production and release of endorphins. Endorphins, often referred to as “feel-good” hormones, provide a sense of euphoria and well-being. This phenomenon explains why many individuals crave the sensation of sunlight on their skin or even become mildly addicted to tanning beds—an endorphin rush is at play.
However, it’s essential to strike a balance since excessive UV-light exposure can lead to skin aging and skin cancer. Scientists posit that humans have evolved to seek sunlight because it not only triggers endorphin release but also facilitates vitamin D synthesis, guarding against vitamin D deficiency.
The Multifaceted Role of Vitamin D
Vitamin D serves as a vital nutrient with a broad spectrum of implications for our health. Inadequate vitamin D levels can lead to the malformation of developing bones (osteomalacia), as well as conditions like osteopenia, osteoporosis, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and potentially other health issues, such as multiple sclerosis. Our ancestors who thrived in a primitive world were more likely to maintain optimal vitamin D levels through ample sun exposure, and our bodies are hardwired to crave sunlight to both generate endorphins and synthesize vitamin D.
The Role of Vitamin D in Opioid Addiction
To underscore the significance of vitamin D in addiction, Dr. Fisher, a co-author of the study, provides a compelling analogy. He suggests considering a surgical patient receiving morphine for pain relief after an operation. In cases of vitamin D deficiency, the euphoric effects of morphine could be intensified, potentially leading to addiction. To support this argument, Dr. Fisher’s team conducted an animal experiment using mice. The results indicated that mice rendered vitamin D deficient were more likely to seek out the drug morphine compared to mice with normal vitamin D levels. When vitamin D levels were restored in the deficient mice, their craving for morphine diminished significantly, as did withdrawal symptoms.
Dr. Fisher believes that while more research is necessary, addressing vitamin D deficiency could offer a new avenue to reduce the risk of opioid addiction and complement existing addiction treatments. He envisions that tackling the prevalent issue of vitamin D deficiency through cost-effective vitamin D supplements could play a pivotal role in combatting the ongoing opioid epidemic.
The Takeaway: Vitamin D and Opioid Addiction
In summary, maintaining a blood vitamin D level between 50, ideally within the range of 80 to 140 nmol/L (32 ng/mL – 56 ng/mL), may serve as a potent strategy to prevent opioid addiction in oneself and loved ones. Optimal vitamin D levels can potentially mitigate the high or euphoric sensations associated with morphine and other opioids, reducing the risk of addiction. Furthermore, vitamin D supplementation should be considered as a complementary approach for individuals undergoing opioid addiction withdrawal, particularly when their vitamin D blood levels are below 50 nmol/L (20 ng/mL), a common scenario.
In the battle against opioid addiction, recognizing the multifaceted influence of vitamin D levels opens a promising avenue for intervention and prevention.
References:
1. Lajos V. Kemény, Kathleen C. Robinson, Andrea L. Hermann, Deena M. Walker, Susan Regan, Yik Weng Yew, Yi Chun Lai, Nicholas Theodosakis, Phillip D. Rivera, Weihua Ding, Liuyue Yang, Tobias Beyer, Yong-Hwee E. Loh, Jennifer A. Lo, Anita A. J. van der Sande, William Sarnie, David Kotler, Jennifer J. Hsiao, Mack Y. Su, Shinichiro Kato, Joseph Kotler, Staci D. Bilbo, Vanita Chopra, Matthew P. Salomon, Shiqian Shen, Dave S. B. Hoon, Maryam M. Asgari, Sarah E. Wakeman, Eric J. Nestler, David E. Fisher. [Vitamin D deficiency exacerbates UV/endorphin and opioid addiction. Science Advances, 2021; 7 (24): eabe4577](https://advances.sciencemag.org/content/7/24/eabe4577)
2. [ScienceDaily – Vitamin D deficiency exacerbates UV/endorphin and opioid addiction](https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2021/06/210611174042.htm)
Eat Smart, Live Well, Look Great,
Dr. Meschino
Dr. James Meschino
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Dr. James Meschino, DC, MS, ROHP, is an educator, author, and researcher having lectured to thousands of healthcare professionals across North America. He holds a Master’s Degree in Science with specialties in human nutrition and biology and is recognized as an expert in the field of nutrition, anti-aging, fitness, and wellness as well as the author of numerous books.