Vitamin D deficiency may increase risk for addiction to opioids and ultraviolet rays

Lab animals deficient in vitamin D crave and become dependent on opioids, which is curbed when normal levels of the vitamin are restored.
Human health records indicate that people with low vitamin D are more likely to use and misuse opioids.
Study results suggest a potential role for vitamin D supplementation in fighting opioid addiction.

Vitamin D deficiency strongly exaggerates the craving for and effects of opioids, potentially increasing the risk for dependence and addiction, according to a new study led by researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH). These findings, published in Science Advances, suggest that addressing the common problem of vitamin D deficiency with inexpensive supplements could play a part in combating the ongoing scourge of opioid addiction.

Release date: 11 Jun 2021
Source: Massachusetts General Hospital