Vitamin D the Cure for Multiple Sclerosis?
Scientists have discovered a link between Multiple Sclerosis and vitamin D deficiency. They have found that the risk of getting MS is greatly increased with a specific gene and a deficiency in Vitamin D.
The scientists have established the possibility that a lack of vitamin D during pregnancy and childhood may stop the gene from working correctly. They believe that this may then go on to effect the Thymus gland. The Thymus gland produces white blood cells known as T cells which help to defend the body from attack. It is believed that the Thymus gland, when affected, will produce T cells that will attack the body’s nervous system.
What is MS?
MS is an autoimmune condition where the body’s immune system attacks its own central nervous system. MS affects the brain and spinal cord’s ability to communicate via electrical impulses. It most commonly starts in young adults and a larger percentage of women are affected than men. Due to the way MS attacks the nervous system it is a gradual but progressive disease that will see loss of muscular function over time. Not only does that mean loss of movement control but also potentially problems in swallowing, bladder control, visual problems, speech problems and all bodily functions that are controlled by your nerves. It is a terrifying thought what control this disease has over someone’s life. (See The Multiple Sclerosis Resource Centre, www.msrc.co.uk for further information.)
The Importance of Sunlight…
One of the main sources of vitamin D is from sunlight and it is interesting to note that the highest incidence of MS is in northern countries, for example MS rates per 1,000 of the population is 240 in Canada and only 59 in Spain. In Scotland where the weather is less sunny than in England there are twice the number of cases of MS. Researchers in Canada discovered that children with early symptoms of MS had low levels of vitamin D.
… and Diet
The fear of skin cancer has lead many people to avoid the sun, but it is important to get the balance right. Enjoy the sun and its benefits in moderation and be careful to avoid getting burnt. Vitamin D is also present in oily fish (especially herring), eggs, cereals and meat. Vitamin D works alongside three other minerals: potassium, magnesium and calcium, which you will have in a healthy diet. Without these, vitamin D doesn’t work as well. It has been difficult to calculate an exact recommended daily allowance for Vitamin D but it is considered that around 200 micrograms for adults is safe and no more than 25 micrograms for babies. There have been very few cases of toxicity caused by Vitamin D and those examples that exist have not been caused by deliberate ingesting. An overdose can cause problems like increased blood pressure, vomiting, excessive urinating and increased thirst to name a few. If you stick to the RDA and have no more then there should be no problem.
If you are pregnant
If you are pregnant and concerned about your level of Vitamin D, the best course of action is to talk to your doctor first and you may be prescribed a vitamin supplement or advised appropriately. If you have a child and you are worried about their levels of Vitamin D then again please consult your doctor prior to taking any action.
Further information:
February 7th, 2009 at 2:00 am
Informative post. Never knew MS was so nasty but this just goes to show how important a good diet and some fresh outdoor air (and sunlight) can be.
May 6th, 2009 at 5:47 pm
everyone should know about the many benefits of vitamin D Take a look at http://www.vitaminD3UK.com for some good summaries of the data
November 2nd, 2009 at 7:21 am
Not only is Vitamin D important for multiple sclerosis, but Vitamin D may also be important in preventing a number of other neurocognitive diseases such as schizophrenia, autism, and alzheimer’s.
See this article for some of the more obscure odds and ends:
Vitamin D: Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s Disease.