From the Research
Vitamin D deficiency has been most recently and strongly associated with tinnitus, with serum vitamin D levels found to be 22% lower in patients with tinnitus compared to those without 1. When considering the relationship between vitamins and tinnitus, several factors come into play, including the potential for certain vitamins to exacerbate or cause tinnitus when taken in excessive amounts.
- High doses of vitamin A (over 10,000 IU daily) may damage inner ear cells and worsen tinnitus symptoms.
- Excessive vitamin B12 supplementation can sometimes trigger or worsen tinnitus in sensitive individuals, though the mechanism isn't fully understood, as seen in studies such as 2 and 3.
- Vitamin D toxicity from prolonged high-dose supplementation (typically over 4,000 IU daily) may affect calcium metabolism, potentially impacting inner ear function, but more importantly, a deficiency in vitamin D has been linked to tinnitus, as indicated by the most recent study 1.
- Niacin, especially in doses above 500 mg, can cause vasodilation that may temporarily worsen tinnitus symptoms. It's crucial to note that the relationship between vitamins and tinnitus varies significantly between individuals, so personal experimentation under medical supervision may be necessary to identify triggers. Always taking vitamins within recommended daily allowances unless specifically prescribed otherwise by a healthcare provider is advisable. The most recent and highest quality study 1 suggests a significant association between lower serum vitamin D levels and tinnitus, making vitamin D an important consideration for individuals experiencing tinnitus.