Leg and bone pain can have many different causes, so there is no single vitamin that everyone with leg pain is necessarily missing. One important nutrient, however, is vitamin D, which plays an essential role in calcium absorption and normal bone and muscle function.
Vitamin D deficiency can sometimes be associated with bone pain and muscle weakness, but similar symptoms can also occur with arthritis, nerve problems, injuries, circulation problems, mineral deficiencies, or other medical conditions.
A Simple Vitamin D–Rich Food Approach
Instead of taking a large supplement dose without knowing your vitamin D level, focus on foods that naturally provide vitamin D.
Good dietary sources include:
- Fatty fish such as salmon, sardines, and mackerel
- Egg yolks
- Fortified milk
- Fortified plant-based milk
- Fortified cereals
- Some fortified yogurts
Step 1: Include a Vitamin D Source
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