Vitamin D Reduces Risk of Multiple Sclerosis
It has long been recognized that there is a direct relationship between risk of multiple sclerosis (MS) and living in northern latitudes
especially during a persons early years. This has prompted researchers to search for factors differentiating northern versus southern latitudes in terms of physiology that might account for this relationship with MS. One obvious factor relates to the fact that individuals in southern areas get more sun exposure and this translates to more vitamin D.
In a recent issue of the Journal of The American Medical Association (Read Abstract ) Harvard researchers demonstrated that the risk of MS was 62% lower in white servicepersons having the highest levels of vitamin D. The study was vast, evaluating the blood of more than 7 million military personnel. Dr. Alberto Ascherio, a contributing author to the study was quoted in Neurology Today stating, “This is the first large-scale prospective case-control study where samples in young adults have been measured and later compared with the incidence of MSIf the findings can be confirmed, it suggests that many cases of MS can be prevented by increasing levels of vitamin D with supplements.”
The authors speculate that one mechanism possibly explaining this correlation is the direct effect of vitamin D on the immune system. MS is characterized by excess immune system activation ultimately leading to immune mediated damage to the protective myelin coat that surrounds brain cells. This article describes the role of vitamin D in modulating immunity: www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
To learn more about vitamin D including supplementation, visit the Vitamin D council at: www.vitamindcouncil.com
Comments
February 6th, 2007 at 3:59 pm
Great stuff Dr. P and I am sure it is not surprising to you in the least. As someone who has been reading your work for years, I am not surprised either.
Life Extension magazine has an article this month in which an MD working in a hospital for the criminally insane was able to reduce the incidence of influenza by supplementing his patients with Vitamin D.
Also, I just recently read this
“Abstract
Parkinson’s disease (PD), a common disease of the elderly, is a movement disorder characterized by tremor, akinesia, and loss of postural reflexes, leading to immobility and frequent falls. It results from selective loss (death) of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra region of the brain, largely developed prior to clinical diagnosis, and continuous after diagnosis, despite use of current therapeutic modalities. In PD in the United States the cause and mechanism of continued neuron cell death in the substantia nigra is currently unknown. We hypothesize, based upon several lines of evidence, that documented chronically inadequate vitamin D intake in the United States, particularly in the northern states and particularly in the elderly, is a significant factor in the pathogenesis of PD. This hypothesis implies that dietary aid for prevention and therapy for PD is possible. © 2006 Movement Disorder Society”.
February 6th, 2007 at 6:07 pm
Thanks Gene. In fact, the relationship of low vitamin D to Parkinson’s has been known for several years and likely explains the significant risk of osteoporosis in these individuals as reported in the journal Neurology back in 1997:  High prevalence of vitamin D deficiency and reduced bone mass in Parkinson’s disease. It’s so very important to recognize that there is more to treating these diseases than simply giving medications to treat symptoms.
March 6th, 2007 at 5:03 pm
Hi Dr P– I am one of your MS patients and was wondering if, in the light of this study, I should start giving Vit D supplements to my children (9 and 11) and if so how much to help reduce their risk of developing MS later in life? Many thanks in advance for your response.
March 6th, 2007 at 8:29 pm
Children this age should have be given a minimum of 800 units of vitamin D daily.
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