Study on Dead Sea climatotherapy for rheumatic diseases

Marco Harari et al.

April 2011

Climate treatment

Rheumatism / Joints / Arthritis / Arthrosis

The aim of the DMZ Medical Center study was to evaluate the effectiveness of Dead Sea climatotherapy on vitamin D production in Norwegian patients with various rheumatic diseases and to investigate possible correlations between elevated serum vitamin D levels, musculoskeletal symptoms and disease severity.

Sixty Norwegian patients who came to the Dead Sea for 21 days of medical rehabilitation were divided into three groups according to diagnosis: chronic pain syndromes, i.e. back pain or fibromyalgia (group 1); rheumatoid arthritis (group 2); and osteoarthritis (group 3). Serum levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25-OH-D) were determined on arrival and before departure. The treatment protocol included daily sun exposure (climatotherapy), baths in the Dead Sea and mineral spring water (balneotherapy), mud treatments and fitness classes.

Serum levels of 25-OH-D increased significantly. After adjustment for initial pain levels (assessed using a visual analog scale) and disease severity, there was a direct correlation between increased serum 25-OH-D levels and pain relief as well as a reduction in disease activity.

Dead Sea climatotherapy leads to significant changes in vitamin D levels. Elevated serum 25-OH-D levels are associated with a reduction in musculoskeletal pain and disease severity.

The most important information on the study at a glance

Indications: Rheumatic diseases
Institution: DMZ Medical Center, Lot Spa Hotel, Dead Sea, Israel
Title: Study on Dead Sea climatotherapy for rheumatic diseases
Brief description: The study shows that climatotherapy at the Dead Sea significantly increases vitamin D and relieves pain in rheumatic diseases.
Original title: Increased vitamin D serum levels correlate with clinical improvement of rheumatic diseases after Dead Sea climatotherapy
Link to the study: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21598808/