Rather than taking large doses of vitamin D simply because you have leg pain, it’s better to determine whether supplementation is actually appropriate.
Foods That Provide Vitamin D
You can obtain vitamin D from foods such as:
- Fatty fish such as salmon, sardines, and mackerel
- Egg yolks
- Fortified milk and plant-based drinks
- Fortified cereals
- Some types of mushrooms
Safe sunlight exposure can also help the body produce vitamin D, although the amount produced varies considerably depending on season, skin characteristics, location, clothing, and other factors.
What About Vitamin D Supplements?
If testing confirms a deficiency, a healthcare professional may recommend a vitamin D supplement and an appropriate dose. More is not always better—excessive vitamin D supplementation can raise calcium levels and cause serious health problems.
And if your leg or bone pain is persistent, severe, associated with swelling, redness, weakness, numbness, or follows an injury, don’t assume it’s simply a vitamin deficiency. Getting the underlying cause checked is important.
