Vitamin D is an important fat soluble vitamin that helps to maintain your immune system and build your bones, and possibly even prevent some cancers. Multiple sclerosis is an autoimmune disease of the central nervous system that is common among middle-aged women. Because vitamin D plays a role in keeping your immune system healthy, lack of vitamin D in the diet or an inability to store enough vitamin D may place you at risk for illness. Some people with low vitamin D may be at a higher risk for developing MS.
Vitamin D Deficiency
Your body produces vitamin D when skin is exposed to bright sunlight. Most of us make and store enough vitamin D during the summer months to last all winter. We can also get vitamin D from foods, most commonly vitamin D-enriched milk and other dairy products, fatty fish and eggs. However, if you have dark skin, live in the northernmost areas of the country, are elderly or use sunscreen products, you may not be able to produce enough vitamin D. Children who do not get enough vitamin D may develop soft, weak bones, called rickets. Low vitamin D has been associated with greater risks of falling, high blood pressure and even some cancers.
Multiple Sclerosis
MS is an autoimmune disease that causes the body to use its own defenses to attack the protective coverings of the brain cells and spinal cord, called myelin. MS can present as many different types of symptoms depending on where in the nervous system that the disease occurs. MS causes swelling and inflammation in the brain and spinal cord and the damaged cells cannot send their signals correctly resulting in weakness, sensory loss, trouble walking and moving. MS may also affect how the bladder and bowel work, and may also affect your vision. Fatigue is also a very common symptom and usually occurs later in the day.
Vitamin D and MS
Some epidemiologic studies on women find that higher levels of vitamin D may help to prevent multiple sclerosis. In a University of Oxford study published in June 2008 in "Neurology," researchers noted an interaction between vitamin D levels and the incidence of multiple sclerosis. There may be some specific genes involved and also environmental factors placing some patients at more risk to develop MS. However, the researchers caution that more information is needed in order to define the risk as much of it cannot be explained by a single identified gene.
Evaluation and Treatment
If you suspect you may be vitamin D deficient or suffer from MS, you should see your physician. Even if you discover that your vitamin D level is low, there is no reason to suspect you may also develop MS as these conditions can occur independent of each other; there is not enough data to demonstrate whether vitamin D supplements can treat or prevent you from getting MS. Vitamin D supplements are readily available in most drugstores; your doctor can recommend specific types and dosages.
