Vitamin D shows signs of preventing the development of MS
23 Sep 2008
Results of several studies reported at a recent MS conference in Montreal have shown signs of a possible link between vitamin D deficiency and the development of multiple sclerosis (MS) in children.
One of these, led by Dr Brenda Banwell, involved taking blood samples from 117 children who had experienced initial MS-like symptoms and studying whether vitamin D levels were markedly lower in the children who ultimately went on to develop MS, compared to the children who did not experience further symptoms. Of the 19 children diagnosed with MS to date, 17 had vitamin D levels well below the current standard for vitamin D sufficiency.
It is currently not clear how lacking vitamin D may be linked with MS. Further studies are needed to determine if giving vitamin D supplements prevents MS or helps relieve symptoms.
Dr Laura Bell at the MS Society said: ““There’s a growing body of evidence suggesting a link between vitamin D and MS. We now need to work towards finding out what that link is and see whether the vitamin could be useful for treatment or prevention. There’s not enough evidence yet to suggest that supplements are the answer.”
It is currently not clear how lacking vitamin D may be linked with MS. Further studies are needed to determine if giving vitamin D supplements prevents MS or helps relieve symptoms.
Dr Laura Bell at the MS Society said: ““There’s a growing body of evidence suggesting a link between vitamin D and MS. We now need to work towards finding out what that link is and see whether the vitamin could be useful for treatment or prevention. There’s not enough evidence yet to suggest that supplements are the answer.”
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