Vitamin D May Help Prevent Multiple Sclerosis

Multiple Sclerosis, also referred to as MS, is a frightening disease with a scary name. Any disease with “Multiple” as part of the name would immediately make you think that it cannot be a good condition to have. The good news is that the risk of developing the disease may be lessened with little effort on your part.

According to a study of over seven million people, plenty of vitamin D seems to help prevent Multiple Sclerosis. It was found that white members of the group with the highest blood levels of vitamin D were 62% less likely to develop MS. Dark skinned people do not absorb sunlight as readily so no benefit was noted for these types of ethnic groups. The study helps to explain why the disease has historically been most common in people who live farther from the equator, therefore weaker sunlight. The findings do not suggest that a lack of vitamin D can cause MS. More testing will have to be done before determining the full role of Vitamin D in helping to prevent the disease.

MS is a disease of the nervous system that affects the brain and spinal cord. It damages the material that surrounds and protects your nerve cells. This causes a slow down or blockage of communication between your brain and your body.

The symptoms of MS can include:

• Thinking/memory problems
• Vision abnormalities
• Balance and coordination problems
• Numbness or prickling
• Muscle weakness

There are other conditions that may include these types of symptoms, so please see your physician before coming to any conclusions about yourself solely based on these symptoms.

The cause of MS is not known. It is believed that it develops from an environmental issue or an uncharacteristic reaction to an infection. Genetics may also play a role. It is an autoimmune disease that causes the body's immune system to attack itself, targeting cells, tissues, and organs. MS is a part of the family of other autoimmune diseases including:

• Type 1 diabetes
• Crohn's disease
• Lupus
• Psoriasis
• Rheumatoid arthritis

MS usually develops between the ages of 20 and 40. It is more prevalent in women than in men. The disease is mild for most but some severe cases can cause the loss of the ability to speak, write or walk. There is no known cure for MS. However, there are medications that may help to slow its progression as well as help to alleviate symptoms.

Vitamin D is found in Dairy Products (all U.S. milk is fortified with Vitamin D), cream, butter, cheese, and in fortified cereals, margarine, oysters, and fish.

By simply by getting enough vitamin D, either from sunlight or your diet, many conditions and diseases are improved or prevented.