VITAMIN D'S ROLE IN NEUROPATHIC PAIN – A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW

Abstract Chronic neuropathic pain (NP) is a debilitating condition characterized by persistent pain caused by nerve damage. This condition significantly impacts the quality of life, leading to functional limitations, emotional distress, and economic burden. Various underlying conditions, including diabetes, carpal tunnel syndrome, and chronic widespread pain contribute to the NP development. While traditional pharmacological interventions often provide limited relief and have associated side effects, recent research has explored the potential therapeutic benefits of vitamin D. A systematic review was conducted adhering to the PRISMA guidelines to evaluate the efficacy of vitamin D supplementation in managing NP. Seven studies (2016-2024) were included in the analysis, encompassing a total of 561 participants with diverse NP etiologies. The studies investigated the impact of various vitamin D dosages (2000-600,000 IU), administered orally or intramuscularly, for 8 to 20 weeks. Despite the heterogeneity in vitamin D dosage and treatment regimens across the included studies, a consistent trend emerged: a significant reduction in pain scores was observed in all studies following vitamin D supplementation. Moreover, some patients reported improvements in functional mobility and overall quality of life. However, it was difficult to draw a conclusion on the optimal dose of vitamin D for neuropathic pain due to variability on the dose and the route of administration. The findings of this systematic review provide compelling evidence for the potential therapeutic role of vitamin D in the NP management. While further research is warranted to elucidate the optimal dosage, treatment duration, and underlying mechanisms of action, vitamin D supplementation holds promise as a valuable adjunct therapy for individuals suffering from chronic neuropathic pain. Future studies should explore the synergistic effects of vitamin D with other therapeutic interventions and investigate its potential to mitigate the debilitating impact of NP.