Women with type 2 diabetes often have to deal with pain and depression, but a new study featured on Science Daily shows that vitamin D supplementation may help lessen these side effects.

Researchers from Loyola University in Chicago gave participants with type 2 diabetes weekly doses of vitamin D2 supplements, which they took for six months.

Aside from the immediate mood improvement, the patients, 61 percent of whom initially reported burning pain in their legs and feet and 74 percent of whom reported numbness in their extremities, found that neuropathic and sensory pain lessened within three to six months of taking vitamin D2.

“Pain is a common and often serious problem for women with type 2 diabetes and depression, says lead author Todd Doyle. “While further research is needed D2 supplementation is a promising treatment for both pain and depression in type 2 diabetes.

Aside from taking supplements, vitamin D can naturally be absorbed through sunlight. Its other benefits include prevention of inflammation and respiratory tract infection.

(Photo by nathanmac87 via Flickr Creative Commons)