Understanding Multiple Sclerosis (MS)

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune neurological disease that commonly affects young adults. This condition has impacted thousands of people worldwide.

The Effects of MS on the Body

The disease destroys the outer covering of nerves, called the myelin sheath, and causes scar tissue formation.  It commonly leads to walking problems, dizziness, vision disturbances, and painful joints. If the disease is progressive, people suffer from excessive fatigue and daily fluctuations in motor performance.

Triggers and Relapses: What Worsens MS Symptoms?

Unpredictable relapses may occur at any time.  Emotional stress, extended physical activity, viral infections, and warm climate may temporarily worsen function in people with this disorder.

Previous narratives suggest that sun exposure might help prevent the onset of MS. Researchers have cited this premise in 321 peer-reviewed studies, reporting that decreased sun exposure relates to a greater probability of acquiring MS. This is particularly relevant since the disease is extremely rare in populations living near the equator, where sunlight exposure is highest.

The incidence of MS escalates with increasing latitude.

Vitamin D and Its Protective Effects Against MS

1. Vitamin D’s Role in Bone Health and Autoimmune Disorders

Those with multiple sclerosis are at an increased risk for thinning of the bone, known as osteoporosis. Initial large studies have revealed the ability of vitamin D to maintain and increase bone density.  Later smaller studies have shown that vitamin D assists in preventing the overproduction of antibodies, thereby effectively treating autoimmune disorders.  As a result, vitamin D suppresses the immune response that is responsible for MS.

2. Military Study on Vitamin D and MS Risk

In 2006, the Journal of the American Medical Association published a groundbreaking study in which 7 million military personnel were given vitamin D supplements. It reported that light-skinned soldiers with increased blood levels of vitamin D, i.e., 25-hydroxycholecalciferol, were 62% less likely to develop MS. Specifically, those with blood levels of 100 ng/ml had a 50% decreased risk. This risk- percentage progressively decreased with increasing levels of 25-hydroxycholecalciferol. Thus, it was concluded that vitamin D may give protection against MS, especially when given at a younger age.

Vitamin D and Its Protective Effects Against MS

In 2009, researchers presented the results of a vitamin D study in MS patients at the American Academy of Neurology in Minneapolis, Minn. It revealed that those taking high doses of vitamin D, i.e., 14,000 IU/day for 1 year, had significant reductions in relapses, compared to those taking 1,000 IU/day. Noteworthily, the high-dose group experienced 41% fewer relapses compared to 17% fewer relapses in the low-dose group. Also, in both groups, there were no significant side effects. One should realize that neurologists typically recommend the amount of vitamin D consumed in the low-dose group. As a result, researchers have linked low levels of 25-hydroxycholecalciferol to a higher risk and faster progression of MS.

A study published in the journal Neurology in Jan. A 2016 report found that taking 10,400 IU/day of vitamin D for six months reduced levels of inflammatory T-cells in the blood of individuals with multiple sclerosis, which are associated with the disease’s severity. In comparison, those taking 800 IU/day had no apparent decrease in the same T-cells.  These auto-immune cells that attack one’s own body showed verifiable decreases when 25-hydroxycholecalciferol in the blood became greater than 18 ng/ml (45nmol/L).  With every additional 5 ng/ml (12.5 nmol/L) increase, those inflammatory T-cells  decreased by 1%. This study led to the proposal that blood levels for protection against MS severity should range between 40-60 ng/ml (100-150 nmol/L).

A 5,000 IU daily dose consumed from 6 months to 1 year will bring individuals into the 40-60 ng/ml range. Then maintaining this blood level of vitamin D requires a 1,000-2,000 IU dose per day. As a note of caution, blood levels reaching 100 ng/ml (250 nmol/L) can lead to vitamin D toxicity.

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