Low vitamin-D levels linked to multiple sclerosis
Getting your dose of daily sunshine may decrease your chances of getting multiple sclerosis (MS). The disease affects the brain and spinal cord that leads to problems with vision, balance, muscle control and others.
Scientists at the McGill University in Canada studied the likelihood of MS in European people with are genetically wired to have low vitamin D levels.
Vitamin D is made in our skin through sun exposure and can be also be obtained from eating fish and eggs.
Findings suggest that people with Vitamin-D lowering genes are more likely to have MS than people without the said gene. The study was published in PLoS Medicine.
Dr Susan Kohlhaas, from the MS Society is excited about the study, but still advised people to talk to health professionals since too much Vitamin D can also cause problems.
Immunologist Prof Danny Altmann, from Imperial College London, said: “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.” he added.
Category: Features, Wellness and Complementary Therapies
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