Higher vitamin D levels are linked to a lower risk for urinary incontinence, according to the results from the National Health and Nutrition Examination survey.
The study was comprised of 1,881 women older than 20 years. The results of the survey were published in the April 2010 issue of Obstetrics & Gynecology.
Vitamin D deficiency has long been clinically associated with loss of muscle mass and impaired muscle strength. Since vitamin D deficiency is prevalent among adults, it is likely that all muscles, including the pelvic floor muscles, can be adversely affected. The pelvic floor muscles are used to help stop the flow of urine from the bladder.
With increasing vitamin D levels, the risks of pelvic floor disorders–including urinary incontinence–were significantly decreased.
“The vitamin D association was strongest among older women reporting urinary incontinence,” the study authors write.
They concluded that treatment of vitamin D deficiency in both pre-menopausal and post-menopausal women could improve pelvic muscle strength and reduce the prevalence of urinary incontinence.
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