As we move into the winter months, we are exposed to less sunshine and therefore Vitamin D levels can drop. #VITAMIND is an important supplement for women especially as we age, since it prevents #Osteopourosis, #Depression, and helps with #MenopauseSymptoms.

Low levels of vitamin D have been found in patients with vestibular disorders such as benign paroxysmal positional #vertigo, #BPPV, #MenieresDisease, and #VestibularNeuritis. A few studies (reports) have shown Vitamin D supplementation to be beneficial for preventing BPPV attacks and Meniere’s symptoms. The dosage should be discussed with your doctor and should be adjusted based on your current blood levels of Vitamin D.

A recent topical review by Seong -Hae Jeong, MD, Ph.D., and Ji-Soo Kim, MD, Ph.D. explored the evidence related to the association between deficient calcium metabolism and BPPV. It also describes the development of therapeutic options to prevent recurrences of BPPV and introduce results from a recent randomized controlled trial on the effect of vitamin D and calcium supplementation in preventing BPPV recurrences.

Summary of Key Points:

The literature describes 3 lines of evidence on the association of impaired calcium metabolism and development of BPPV:

(1) decreased bone mineral density was more frequently observed in persons with BPPV than in healthy controls.

(2) estrogen plays a vital role in the maintenance of otoconia, and estrogen deficiency appears to precipitate degeneration of otoconia and development of BPPV; and

(3) lower serum vitamin D level is associated with the development of BPPV, and supplementation of vitamin D and calcium carbonate may reduce further attacks of BPPV in persons with BPPV and subnormal serum vitamin D levels.

Reference:

Impaired Calcium Metabolism in Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo:  A Topical Review
Seong -Hae Jeong, MD, Ph.D., and Ji-Soo Kim, MD, PhD