Now, researchers from the American Academy of Neurology have found that taking a vitamin D supplement twice a day could also help consumers keep their vertigo symptoms at bay.
“Our study suggests that for people with benign paroxysmal positional vertigo, taking a supplement of vitamin D and calcium is a simple, low-risk way to prevent vertigo from recurring,” said researcher Ji-Soo Kim, PhD. “It is especially effective if you have low vitamin D levels to begin with.”
Reducing symptoms
The researchers had over 950 participants involved in a study, all of whom were diagnosed with benign paroxysmal positional vertigo. This common type of vertigo creates a dizzying effect when the head is moved in certain positions. The researchers explained that despite some treatment options, the condition is hard to keep away for good.
For the study, the participants were divided into two groups. Members of one group acted as the control and received no treatment while members of the other group received treatment based on their vitamin D levels. Those with normal levels of vitamin D in the second group also received no treatment, but those with lower levels of vitamin D began a twice-daily supplement regimen of both vitamin D and calcium.
The researchers reassessed the participants one year after the trial began and learned that vitamin D was effective in reducing the incidence of vertigo episodes.
Those who started the study with the lowest levels of vitamin D saw the biggest improvements, as they were 45 percent less likely to experience vertigo-related symptoms over the course of the year. Overall, those taking vitamin D were roughly 25 percent less likely to experience a flare-up in one year’s time.
Finding a successful treatment for vertigo can be incredibly difficult for consumers, but these findings may provide a simple and effective way to reduce the severity of symptoms.
“Our results are exciting because so far, going to the doctor to have them perform head movements has been the main way we treat benign paroxysmal positional vertigo,” Dr. Kim said. “Our study suggests an inexpensive, low-risk treatment like vitamin D and calcium tablets may be effective at preventing this common, and commonly recurring, disorder.”
Healthy levels of vitamin D
Though vitamin D is incredibly beneficial to consumers’ health, it’s important to note that overdoing it with vitamin D supplements can be harmful in several ways. Previous research shows that too much of the supplement can affect everything from bone health to kidney function.
It’s important that consumers consult with their doctors before starting a new vitamin regimen.