Having high levels of vitamin D everyday can lower the risk of relapse in multiple sclerosis sufferers, a new study has claimed.
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic degenerative and unpredictable condition that randomly attacks the brain and spinal cord. The symptoms vary greatly from person to person.
There is currently no cure, but treatments are available to modify the course of the disease and ease some symptoms.
The study, published in the ‘Annals of Neurology’ journal, analysed a population-based cohort research involving 145 subjects with relapsing-remitting MS from 2002 to 2005.
Prof Bruce Taylor of the University of Tasmania, who led the study, said there is substantial evidence indicating increased levels of sun exposure and vitamin D are associated with a lower risk of MS onset, ie, a first attack.
“However, few factors have yet been identified that cause the onset of relapses in people already diagnosed with MS. We found that higher levels of vitamin D are associated with a reduced likelihood of a relapse in MS.
“The study demonstrates that for each 10nmol/l increase in serum vitamin D dosage, there was up to a 12 per cent reduction in the likelihood of a relapse. Clinically, raising vitamin D levels by 50nmol/l could halve the hazard of a relapse.
“Essentially, the study showed that people are more likely to have a relapse if they had low vitamin D levels.” These findings provide strong support for randomised clinical trials of vitamin D-based therapies for treating relapses in MS sufferers,” Prof Taylor said.
Source: The Hindu
****************************************************************
Know somebody affected by Multiple Sclerosis?
Ask them to remain CURRENT with Multiple Sclerosis information
when registered at the MS Views and News website
.
***************************************************************************************
Help to Educate: Please donate
– all contributions are tax deductible –
.
“Providing You with ‘MS Views and News’, is what we do“
***************************************************************************************
.
Disclaimer: ‘MS Views and News’ (MSVN), does not endorse any products or services found on this blog. It is up to you to seek advice from your healthcare provider. The intent of this blog is to provide information on various medical conditions, medications, treatments, and procedures for your personal knowledge and to keep you informed of current health-related issues. It is not intended to be complete or exhaustive, nor is it a substitute for the advice of your physician. Should you or your family members have any specific medical problem, seek medical care promptly.
Visit our MS Learning Channel on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/msviewsandnews