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Vitamin D
Possible MS Help

Vitamin D is a hormone, or chemical messenger,
in the body. Dietary sources of vitamin D include
fish and fortified foods, such as
dairy products and breakfast cereals.
Vitamin D is produced in the skin
in response to sunlight,
but this production is limited
by geographic location,
skin pigmentation, and season.
Some researchers have studied
populations and suggested that there is
a correlation between low vitamin D levels and MS.

Scientific studies indicate that vitamin D alters
immune function in a way that may be desirable in MS.
In addition, a handful of studies using an animal model
of MS provide further support for the idea that
vitamin D plays a protective role in MS.
One preliminary short-term human study found that
a compound similar to vitamin D did not produce
either harm or benefit in 11 people with MS.
These findings are not conclusive, and further
research in this area is necessary.

Another role for vitamin D among people with MS
relates to its better-understood role in maintaining bone density.
There is increasing awareness that low bone density (osteoporosis)
may be under-diagnosed in many people, including those with MS.
Importantly, many people with MS have risk factors for developing osteoporosis:

Female gender; Decreased physical activity

Decreased exposure to sunlight; and Frequent treatment with steroids

The National MS Society is supporting a clinical trial
of vitamin D to prevent osteoporosis in people
with that may provide better information on this subject.
In the meantime, people with MS who have these
risk factors may consider having bone density
tests and taking supplements
of vitamin D and calcium (see section on Calcium).
Recommended intake of vitamin D is 200 to 600 IU daily.
Doses greater than 2,000 IU daily may cause toxic effects,
and should not be used unless prescribed by a physician.

The Antioxidant Vitamins

Source(s)

Draconian

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Family and Friends


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