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Low vitamin D levels may contribute to urinary incontinence

Category: Vitamin D Deficiency-Diagnosis and Treatment

Individuals who suffer from unexplained urinary incontinence may benefit from talking to their doctor about vitamin D testing, as a new study suggests there may be a link between low levels of the nutrient and digestive problems.

The SUNY Upstate Medical University researchers who conducted the study pointed out that women, the elderly and obese individuals are the most likely to experience urinary incontinence. Coincidently, these are the same groups who are most likely to have low levels of vitamin D.

To determine if there is a link between the two condition, they examined the medical records of 1,881 individuals. They found that people with low levels of vitamin D were 1.7 times more likely to suffer from pelvic floor disorders, including incontinence.

The researchers said that vitamin D, as a hormone, plays a role in muscle and bone functions. Low levels of the nutrient may lead to a loss of strength in the bodily structures involved in urinary control.

A simple vitamin D test may be all that is needed to help an individual understand why they have a difficult time controlling their bladder.