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Scientists assume a correlation between vitamin D and multiple sclerosis and see
in a lack of this vitamin a risk factor for MS.
They also assumed it would or could affect disease course.
Profound evidence however
is still missing for both assumptions.
Many sources report a worldwide increase of the prevalence and incidence
of multiple sclerosis believing the reason be a lack of vitamin D.
In spite of its importance for many processes of the human organism most
physicians never examine vitamin D ever.
There is one fact science obviously overlooked to consider.
The incidences of MS
have been increasing for one and a half century. This was no linear but a
progressive development.
The climate did not change that much during this time why it is
questionable whether vitamin D is the assumed risk factor at all. We
still have the same amount of sunshine like 100 years ago. Also then the
northern and southern hemisphere had less sunshine in winter than equatorial
regions.
Nevertheless, MS was rare then.
What has science discovered until now?
The Lancet Neurology stated in a 2010 issue:
"So far, the evidence for a
protective effect of vitamin D on multiple sclerosis largely comes from ecological and
observational studies, although evidence is accumulating on possible mechanisms
linking vitamin D deficiency and autoimmunity. It could take decades before data
on MS prevention become available."
I stumbled over a very interesting fact science discovered, which has been not taken
into consideration.
Looker AC, et al. say, black people have lower
25-hydroxyvitamin D concentrations than white people, because melanin pigment in
the skin of dark-skinned people absorbs UVB. Thus, they are often vitamin D deficient. (Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D
status of the US population: 1988–1994 compared with 2000–2004, Am J Clin Nutr
2008; 88: 1519–27)
Nevertheless, they have a lower risk of MS than white people do, as
Kurtzke JF, et. al. discovered in a study done on vitamin d and multiple sclerosis
(Neurology 1979; 29: 1228–35).
We will talk more about pigmentation on the site on
vitamin D sources.
These findings give rise to further questions. Is there really this strong
correlation between vitamin D and multiple sclerosis scientists assume? Is it absurd?
The Lancet writes:
"Evidence supporting a therapeutic effect of vitamin D in
modifying the course of MS is less compelling than evidence of a preventive
effect."
You can clearly see that the influence of vitamin D on multiple sclerosis is still unsettled and
needs further investigation.
Nevertheless, and I want to point your attention to...
Fact is,
too many people have too little vitamin D and a
huge number is really vitamin D deficient without having any symptoms of MS.
Whether the correlation between vitamin D and multiple sclerosis is
evident or not, I recommend all my patients to take care of their vitamin D supply
which is especially important for MS
patients.
I have been wondering why only very few physicians check the vitamin
D level of their patients. Was your vitamin D ever examined?
Check out how much vitamin D you need and how to supplement it from...
===> The Best Vitamin
D Sources
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Vitamins are
NO substitute but
only
a completion of dietetic treatment.
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