A UNMC study has determined that patients with chronic hives may benefit by supplementing their diet with vitamin D.
The study also suggests that health providers consider screening their patients with chronic hives for vitamin D deficiencies.
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“Vitamin D may be one part of the answer to this troublesome disease,” Dr. Poole said. “Given the health benefits, there’s no harm in taking vitamin D if you don’t overdo it.”
Chronic hives typically occur at least three times a week and last longer than six weeks. They appear as red, itchy welts and can lead to difficulty breathing.
More studies are warranted to determine if vitamin D supplementation could improve health outcomes in patients with mild to severe hives, Dr. Poole said.
I am so thankful to UNMC for researching chronic hives. I'm a 26 year old woman from Lincoln, Nebraska. My hives were diagnosed as chronic autoimmune two and a half years ago, but I've been dealing with them for closer to 4 years. About 6 months ago, another doctor discovered that I had a severe vitamin D deficiency. I've been taking vitamin D supplements, and thought it was a coincidence that my hives hadn't been as bad.
A friend who is a doctor recommended that I take 2000 iu's of vitamin D for overall wellness. I have suffered from chronic hives for 9 years. Not only has taking the vitamin (along with other vitamins but absolutely no medication) improved my hives by 80%, but also I feel better. This study should be expanded. No conventional treatments work and I think this promises to improve the quality of life for sufferers. Sadly, testing for vitamin D is no longer covered in Ontario, Canada and patients must pay for this test themselves. I would like to see a study that focuses on those who suffer from delayed pressure urticaria in addition to those with "conventional" chronic hives. Thank you so much to the medical researchers at the University of Nebraska.