# Vitamin D as a modulator of pain and inflammation in postmenopausal females with burning mouth syndrome

## TL;DR

This study shows that higher vitamin D levels are linked to less pain and better quality of life in postmenopausal women with burning mouth syndrome.

## Contribution

The study reveals a novel therapeutic potential of vitamin D for managing pain and inflammation in postmenopausal BMS patients.

## Key findings

- Higher vitamin D levels correlate with lower pain intensity and improved quality of life in BMS patients.
- Vitamin D levels are negatively associated with inflammatory markers like hs-CRP.
- Iron and folic acid levels also show negative relationships with pain and quality of life indicators.

## Abstract

Background: Vitamin D has roles in neurological, hormonal and immunological processes,
affecting various pain disorders and related comorbidities. The aim of this study
was to investigate relationship between vitamin D levels and clinical features in
postmenopausal females with burning mouth syndrome (BMS). Methods: This
retrospective, cross-sectional study reviewed clinical and laboratory data from
144 postmenopausal females with BMS. Laboratory tests measured 25-(OH)
hydroxyvitamin D, hematic components and inflammatory markers. Participants were
categorized by serum levels of 25-(OH) hydroxyvitamin D, as deficient (<20
ng/mL), inadequate (20–30 ng/mL), and adequate (>30 ng/mL). Pain intensity and
oral health-related quality of life were assessed using visual analog scale
(VAS), McGuill Pain Questionnaire (MPQ) and Oral Health Impact Profile-49
(OHIP-49). Results: Pain intensity and oral health-related quality of life were associated
with serum vitamin D levels. Hemoglobin, folic acid and high-sensitivity
C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) concentrations varied among groups. Serum 25-(OH)
hydroxyvitamin D levels showed negative correlation with VAS, MPQ sensory, MPQ
affective, MPQ evaluative and OHIP-49 scores, indicating lower pain intensity and
suffering with higher vitamin D levels. Additionally, iron levels were negatively
related to VAS score, while folic acid levels were negatively associated with
OHIP-49 score. Serum 25-(OH) hydroxyvitamin D levels were negatively correlated
with hs-CRP levels. Conclusions: These findings suggest significant interactions between
25-(OH) hydroxyvitamin D levels and pain intensity and suffering and oral
health-related quality of life, indicating its therapeutic potential for
postmenopausal BMS patients.