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Vitamin D - An Important Role in Multiple Sclerosis
http://youtu.be/2iJM1-ziiZM
Multiple Sclerosis is a disease characterized by the loss of the myelin sheath that insulates cells in the central nervous system. The loss of this insulation leads to disordered transmission of nerve signals, causing a cluster of neurological and muscular symptoms.
Scientists do not know what causes MS, but both genetic and environmental factors have been implicated. One study found that rates of the disease were significantly higher among Northern European populations who receive less sunlight than among those who receive more, suggesting a vitamin D link.
Vitamin D is produced by the body upon exposure to sunlight, and deficiencies are common in areas of the world far from the equator. The vitamin is now believed to play a critical role in immune functioning and the prevention of autoimmune diseases.
Multiple Sclerosis is highly suspected of being an autoimmune disorder. In the current study, researchers examined a portion of chromosome six known to play a role in MS risk -- the risk is three times higher among those carrying one copy of the DRB1*1501 gene variant on this chromosome, and 10 times higher among those carrying two. They found that proteins activated by vitamin D bind to and alter the functioning of a section of the chromosome right near this gene. This suggests that vitamin D deficiency during pregnancy might alter the function of fetal genes, predisposing children to MS.
"Our study implies that taking vitamin D supplements during pregnancy and the early years may reduce the risk of a child developing Multiple Sclerosis in later life," lead researcher Sreeram Ramagopalan said.
Sources for this story include: news.bbc.co.uk.
Learn more:
http://www.naturalnews.com/025791.html#ixzz1tAadCWkn
Role of Vitamin D Supplementation
The role of Vitamin D supplementation in preventing these diseases is also not well understood.
Exposure to sunlight is an efficient way to raise blood levels of vitamin D hormone, and food sources of the nutrient include oily fish like salmon, fortified milk, and other fortified foods.
But most people would have a hard time getting the Vitamin D they need from food, and the increased use of sunscreen has reduced sun exposures.
By one recent estimate, as many as half of adults and children in the U.S. were deficient in the vitamin. Current recommended daily vitamin D intake is 200 IU (international units) for those up to age 50; 400 IU for people 51 to70; and 600 IU for those over 70. Most experts say that these doses are too low.
Many experts, including Ramagopalan, say 2,000 IU of the vitamin may be optimal for preventing disease.
Blood levels of the vitamin are measured as 25-hydroxyvitamin D. Levels below 20 nanograms per milliliter are generally considered deficient.
Harvard School of Public Health nutrition researcher Edward Giovannucci, MD, says blood 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels of between 30 and 40 nanograms per milliliter may be about right for reducing the risk of autoimmune diseases and certain cancers.
While he says some people can reach these levels without supplementation, many others would need to take 1,000 to 2,000 IU of the vitamin a day.
"Based on what we know, I think it is reasonable to recommend that people maintain blood levels of around 30 nanograms per milliliter," he says.
Nutrition Can Save America! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dsWBo2dcdbc&feature=colike
James Eckburg
Senior Health and Wellness Strategist
114 E. Franklin St.
Lanark, Illinois 61046
joeckburg@gmail.com
