Study Links Micronutrient Deficiencies to Chronic Pain: New Insights

TUCSON, Ariz. — A groundbreaking study conducted by the University of Arizona Health Sciences has established a significant association between micronutrient deficiencies and chronic pain. Published in the journal Pain Practice on July 15, 2025, the research employs a precision medicine approach to explore the role of vitamins and minerals in individuals suffering from chronic pain.

The study, led by Dr. Julie Pilitsis, MD, PhD, head of the Department of Neurosurgery at the University of Arizona College of Medicine, analyzed micronutrient levels among three distinct groups: individuals without pain, those with mild-to-moderate chronic pain, and those with severe chronic pain. The findings reveal that deficiencies in key micronutrients, including vitamins D, B12, and C, folate, and magnesium, are notably higher among those experiencing severe chronic pain.

"This study offers a novel perspective on chronic pain management by examining patients holistically, focusing on dietary changes that may alleviate symptoms instead of solely relying on medications," said Dr. Pilitsis. The research indicates that individuals with severe deficiencies in vitamin D, B12, folate, and magnesium are more likely to report severe pain, suggesting a potential avenue for personalized nutritional strategies in pain management.

Co-author Dr. Deborah Morris, a research laboratory manager in the Department of Neurosurgery, noted an unexpected finding in the study: Asian females exhibited higher levels of vitamin B12 than anticipated, despite lower levels observed in other demographic groups. "Our findings challenge preconceived notions about micronutrient levels across different populations, highlighting the need for a tailored approach in treatment," added Dr. Morris.

The investigation utilized participant data from the National Institutes of Health's All of Us Research Database, with substantial enrollment from the University of Arizona-Banner Health program. This comprehensive study underscores the importance of considering demographic factors when assessing micronutrient deficiencies and chronic pain.

A report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released in November 2024 indicated that nearly 25% of U.S. adults suffer from chronic pain, which has been linked to diminished quality of life, increased risk of opioid misuse, and exacerbated mental health concerns. The implications of this research could be significant not only for individual treatment plans but also for public health policy aimed at addressing chronic pain and its associated burdens.

This study was conducted in collaboration with researchers from Florida Atlantic University, Florida International University, Grigore T. Popa University in Romania, and Vrije Universiteit Brussel in Belgium, showcasing a diverse international effort to tackle the complex issue of chronic pain. The authors emphasize that their findings could pave the way for improved quality of life for individuals dealing with chronic pain, potentially decreasing reliance on opioids through dietary interventions.

As the understanding of chronic pain evolves, further research is necessary to validate these findings and explore the potential for integrating nutritional assessments into routine pain management practices. This study is an important step towards a more comprehensive approach to chronic pain treatment, taking into account the systemic factors that may contribute to patients' experiences.

The study's results not only provide insights into the relationship between micronutrient deficiencies and chronic pain but also open the door for future research to investigate how dietary modifications can enhance pain management strategies. As chronic pain remains a critical public health issue, the integration of nutritional science may hold promise for improving patient outcomes and reducing dependency on pharmacological treatments.