The connection between vitamins and autoimmune diseases like multiple sclerosis has been researched and looked at for years by scientists and physicians, but it looks as though there is one vitamin that does seems to play a very important role. Not only does vitamin D figure importantly, it has even been shown in some studies to prevent the development of multiple sclerosis from ever beginning. It has also been theorized that the environment has something to do with the development of multiple sclerosis because it strikes at a higher rate in northern-latitude locations. This environmental connection is also seen with vitamin D deficiency. In many ways, where you live can play a role in your risk for both vitamin D deficiency and multiple sclerosis.
Multiple Sclerosis
According to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune disease that attacks the central nervous system that is made up of your brain, spinal cord and optic nerves. The immune system attacks the myelin, which is the protective coating on nerve fibers throughout the body. Symptoms can be mild and include numbness or a disrupted gait or they can lead to full paralysis or blindness. MS can be found in four forms. Relapsing-Remitting finds the disease going back and forth from remission to disease flare-ups. Primary-Progressive MS is a slowly progressing disease with loss of neurological function with no remissions. Secondary-Progressive is when a relapsing-remitting case moves to a progressive state. Progressive-Relapsing is rare, with only 5 percent receiving this diagnosis. It steadily progresses but also has attacks of worsening neurological function.
Vitamin D
Vitamin D is a fat-soluble nutrient that is naturally made when your skin is exposed to the ultraviolet B (UVB) rays from sunshine. It is responsible for bone health and calcium regulation and aids with the regulation of the immune system. According to a 2009 report in the "Archives of Internal Medicine," vitamin D deficiency has become a widespread health concern with as many as 77 percent of Americans being vitamin D-deficient. Vitamin D can only be found in limited dietary foods such as fortified milk or fatty fish, like salmon. Without regular sun exposure or vitamin D supplementation, it is very easy to become vitamin D-deficient. The Institute of Medicine's Food and Nutrition Board recommends that adults receive 600 international units (IU) of vitamin D a day. However, physicians and researchers like Dr. Michael Horlick believe you should acquire 1,000 to 2,000 IU a day to provide for optimal health and prevent diseases like MS.
Environmental Factors
Both the incidence of developing multiple sclerosis and vitamin D deficiency are dependent, in part, on the geographical location of patients. Diagnosed cases of MS and vitamin D deficiency are seen at higher levels in the northern-latitude regions while the risk is much lower in areas closer to the equator. This is also true for many other diseases, like rheumatoid arthritis, that have been connected to vitamin D deficiency. The lack of vitamin D is usually a result of lowered sun exposure, especially during the winter months. A 2011 study published in "Neurology" looked at the occurrence of ultraviolet exposure and the incidence of MS in England and found a connection between the two; it concluded that this combination has a link to multiple sclerosis. Another 2011 study published in the "Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery, and Psychiatry" directly linked latitude location with the prevalence of multiple sclerosis.
Vitamin D and Multiple Sclerosis Research
While the role of vitamin D in the possible prevention of multiple sclerosis is a hot topic of research, it is also being looked at in the treatment of patients already diagnosed with this condition. A 2009 study published in the "Journal of Neurology" showed that by increasing a patient's vitamin D level to within the optimal limits, he can see improvement in symptoms and neurological function. If you are a patient with multiple sclerosis or believe you could be vitamin D-deficient, consult your physician and have your vitamin D blood level evaluated.
References
- National Multiple Sclerosis Society: What Is Multiple Sclerosis?
- "Archives of Internal Medicine"; Demographic Differences and Trends of Vitamin D Insufficiency in the US Population, 1988-2004; Adit A. Ginde, MD et al.; March 23, 2009
- University of California Television; D-Lightful Vitamin D: Bone & Muscle Health and Prevention of Autoimmune and Chronic Diseases
- "Neurology"; Relationship of UV Exposure to Prevalence of Multiple Sclerosis in England; Ramagopalan SV et al.; April 19, 2011
- "Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery, and Psychiatry"; Latitude Is Significantly Associated With the Prevalence of Multiple Sclerosis: A Meta-Analysis; Simpson S Jr et al.; April 8, 2011
- "Journal of Neurology"; Clinical Implications of a Possible Role of Vitamin D in Multiple Sclerosis; Pierrot-Deseilligny C.; September 2009
