Top Story, Daily

Those who are prone to low vitamin D levels have an increased risk of multiple sclerosis

Based on some extensive research, it appears that vitamin D deficiency, whether due to environment or genetic predisposition, could play a role when it comes to developing multiple sclerosis.

A large study out of McGill University in Canada looked the DNA profiles of tens of thousands of people of European descent suggests that people with low levels of vitamin D are more susceptible to developing multiple sclerosis than those with sufficient levels.

Both environmental and genetic factors are at play with this, as BBC News pointed out. Some people are deficient, despite sun exposure, and might need to adjust intake with either diet or supplements. (There are also risks with having too much vitamin D in the system, but they are considered minor.)

Some research has previously shown that MS is more common in less sunny countries. But the McGill University researchers wanted to determine if this was a causal relationship and where genetic predisposition fits into the equation.

The findings did indicate that people with lower blood levels of a marker of vitamin D, due to their genetic predisposition, were significantly more likely to have MS.

Dr. Susan Kohlhaas, from the MS Society, said, according to BBC News:

“There are many unanswered questions around what causes MS, so this large scale study is an exciting step towards understanding more about the complex nature of the genetic and environmental factors that contribute to it.

“There are government guidelines around how much vitamin D people should take, and taking too much can lead to side-effects, so we’d encourage people to talk to their health professional if they’re thinking of doing this.

“We’d also welcome more research into this area, as we know it’s really important to people living with MS.”

Immunologist Professor Danny Altmann, from Imperial College London, also piped in on the subject:

“Vitamin D is relatively cheap, safe and many of us would be all the healthier if we could achieve the serum levels that our ancient ancestors presumably acquired when roaming outdoors in temperate climates, unclothed and eating a diverse diet including oily fish.

“While it may be too much to expect therapeutic vitamin D to treat or reverse ongoing MS, this paper will add to the weight of argument for routine vitamin-D supplementation of foodstuffs as a broad, preventative, public health measure.”

Because of the knowledge around vitamin D deficiency in certain climates, the UK government is actually considering making taking supplements an official recommendation, considering the lack of sun in the region. Plans on the matter will be consulted until September 23.

Photo: Flickr user Jerry Meaden

Shares0
Shares0