Could Low Vitamin D Be Making Your Vertigo Return? What New Research Reveals About BPPV and Dizziness

Written by Dr Julian Simpson — Chiropractor with 15+ years of experience, Board Member of the Chiropractic Australia Research Foundation, and author/reviewer of 800+ health articles.

Could Low Vitamin D Be Making Your Vertigo Return? What New Research Reveals About BPPV and Dizziness

Tired of Feeling Dizzy Every Time You Roll Over in Bed?

If you've ever experienced a sudden spinning sensation when turning your head, getting out of bed, or looking up at a shelf, you're not alone.

Many people across Sunbury, Melton and surrounding communities experience episodes of dizziness that seem to come out of nowhere. For busy parents juggling school drop-offs, tradies working long days, or commuters travelling the Calder Freeway and Western Highway, recurring dizziness can quickly disrupt daily life.

One of the most common causes of these symptoms is a condition called Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV).

While BPPV is usually very treatable, many sufferers find their symptoms return weeks or months later. Exciting new research is now shedding light on a surprisingly simple factor that may influence whether vertigo comes back: Vitamin D levels.

What Exactly Is BPPV?

BPPV is the most common cause of peripheral vertigo and affects approximately 1 in 10 people during their lifetime.

The condition occurs when tiny calcium carbonate crystals inside the inner ear, known as otoconia, become dislodged and move into the balance canals of the ear.

This can trigger symptoms including:

• Sudden spinning sensations

• Dizziness when changing head position

• Nausea

• Loss of balance

• Brief episodes of vertigo lasting less than a minute

• Unsteadiness when walking

BPPV can affect people of all ages but is most commonly seen in middle-aged and older adults, particularly women.

The Surprising Link Between Vitamin D and Vertigo

Researchers have increasingly discovered that the same calcium-regulating processes responsible for healthy bones may also be important for healthy balance organs inside the ear.

The tiny otoconia crystals responsible for detecting movement are largely made from calcium carbonate. When calcium metabolism becomes disrupted, these crystals may become more fragile, unstable, or prone to dislodgement.

This is where Vitamin D becomes important.

Vitamin D helps regulate:

• Calcium absorption

• Bone metabolism

• Otoconia structure and maintenance

• Inner ear function

Several studies have now found that people with recurrent BPPV are significantly more likely to have low Vitamin D levels.

What Did The New Research Find?

A recent prospective study followed 60 patients diagnosed with BPPV over a six-month period.

Researchers measured Vitamin D levels and tracked whether vertigo symptoms returned after successful treatment using the Epley manoeuvre.

The findings were striking.

75% of Patients Were Vitamin D Deficient

Three out of every four participants had Vitamin D levels below the recommended range.

Vertigo Returned More Often in People With Low Vitamin D

Among participants with Vitamin D levels below 20 ng/ml:

• 28.9% experienced a recurrence of BPPV

Among those with normal Vitamin D levels:

• Only 6.7% experienced recurrence

This represented a statistically significant difference.

Severe Deficiency Was Associated With The Highest Risk

Researchers found the greatest relapse rates in people with the lowest Vitamin D levels.

Patients with Vitamin D levels below 10 ng/ml experienced recurrence rates of approximately:

• 64.3%

This suggests that the lower the Vitamin D level, the greater the likelihood of BPPV returning.

Most Recurrences Happened Early

Interestingly:

• 11 of the 13 relapses occurred within the first two months

• All relapses occurred within the first three months

• No further recurrences were observed after Vitamin D levels normalised

Why Might Vitamin D Matter So Much?

Scientists believe Vitamin D plays a crucial role in maintaining the integrity of the inner ear's balance structures.

When Vitamin D levels fall:

• Calcium regulation becomes impaired

• Otoconia crystals may deteriorate

• Crystal fragments may break away more easily

• The risk of triggering BPPV episodes may increase

This theory is supported by laboratory studies showing structural changes in balance organs when Vitamin D deficiency is present.

How Is BPPV Usually Treated?

The good news is that BPPV often responds extremely well to specific repositioning procedures.

The most common is the Epley manoeuvre, which is designed to guide displaced crystals back into their proper position within the inner ear.

Many patients experience substantial relief after just one or two treatments.

At Health Wise Chiropractic, we work closely with patients experiencing dizziness and balance disorders by providing comprehensive assessments and, where appropriate, evidence-based management strategies alongside communication with GPs and other healthcare providers.

Why A Holistic Approach Often Works Best

Modern healthcare increasingly recognises that long-term outcomes improve when treatment addresses both symptoms and underlying contributing factors.

Why Looking Beyond Symptoms MattersSimply repositioning the crystals may resolve an episode of vertigo, but identifying factors that contribute to recurrence can help reduce the likelihood of future episodes.A comprehensive approach may include:Vestibular assessmentCanalith repositioning proceduresPostural evaluationBalance retraining exercisesLifestyle recommendationsNutritional considerationsVitamin D testing when clinically appropriateCollaboration with GPs and other healthcare professionals

Could You Be At Higher Risk?

You may wish to discuss Vitamin D testing with your healthcare provider if you:

• Have experienced repeated episodes of BPPV

• Spend most of your day indoors

• Have osteoporosis or osteopenia

• Are over 40 years of age

• Have previously been diagnosed with Vitamin D deficiency

• Experience recurring dizziness despite successful treatment

Many Australians are unknowingly deficient in Vitamin D, particularly during winter months when sun exposure decreases.

Practical Steps To Support Your Recovery

If you're experiencing dizziness or recurrent vertigo:

1. Seek An Accurate Diagnosis

Not all dizziness is BPPV. A thorough assessment is important to identify the true cause.

2. Have Appropriate Positional Testing Performed

Tests such as the Dix-Hallpike manoeuvre help determine whether BPPV is present.

3. Follow Recommended Repositioning Procedures

Evidence-based manoeuvres such as the Epley manoeuvre can be highly effective when correctly applied.

4. Consider Underlying Risk Factors

Discuss factors such as:

• Vitamin D status

• Bone health

• Physical activity levels

• Balance function

• General health conditions

5. Stay Active

Appropriate movement and vestibular rehabilitation exercises may help improve confidence and balance during recovery.

Supporting Sunbury and Melton Families With Evidence-Based Care

Recurring dizziness can affect every aspect of daily life—from work productivity and exercise participation to confidence when driving or caring for family members.

At Health Wise Chiropractic, our experienced team takes the time to understand the bigger picture behind your symptoms. We focus on thorough assessment, personalised care, patient education, and evidence-informed recommendations to help you move, feel, and function at your best.

Whether you're in Sunbury, Melton, Diggers Rest, Bacchus Marsh, Caroline Springs or surrounding areas, we're here to help you better understand your symptoms and explore the most appropriate pathways towards recovery.

Book an Assessment Today

If recurring dizziness, vertigo, neck stiffness, headaches or balance concerns are affecting your quality of life, our Health Wise Chiropractic team in Sunbury and Melton would be delighted to help.

A personalised assessment could be the first step towards understanding what's contributing to your symptoms—and getting you back to enjoying life with confidence.

How Chiropractic Care May Help

At Health Wise Chiropractic, we take a comprehensive approach to posture-related care.

Treatment may include:

• Chiropractic adjustments

• Postural assessment

• Soft tissue therapy

• Corrective exercises

• Ergonomic advice

• Laser therapy

• Shockwave therapy

• Spinal decompression therapy

We focus on addressing both the symptoms and the underlying biomechanical stress contributing to neck dysfunction.

About the Author

Dr Julian Simpson is an Australian chiropractor with over 15 years of experience in musculoskeletal healthcare and rehabilitation.

He is a Board Member of the Chiropractic Australia Research Foundation and has reviewed and written more than 800 evidence-based health articles focused on spinal health, rehabilitation, sports injuries and conservative care approaches.

His treatment focus includes:

• Chiropractic adjustments

• Sports chiropractic

• Massage therapy

• Shockwave therapy

• Laser therapy

• Non-surgical spinal decompression

Dr Simpson provides patient care through Healthwise Chiropractic, serving communities including Sunbury, Melton, Diggers Rest and surrounding regions.

Walia MS, Tuli N, Hussain A, Bansal S, Bhagat R. Effect of Vitamin D Deficiency on Incidence and Relapse of Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo. Iran J Otorhinolaryngol. 2026;38(2):99-108. doi: 10.22038/ijorl.2026.90851.4032. PMID: 42006900; PMCID: PMC13090813.