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Taking vitamin D supplements may positively
influence the immune systems of patients with multiple sclerosis
(MS), according to researchers.
Although most MS patients have a normal
life span, the disease, which causes the immune system to
attack the body's own cells as "foreign," causes
vision changes and muscle weakness in its victims. MS may
progress steadily, or acute attacks may be followed by a
temporary remission of symptoms.
Vitamin D status affects chemicals that
modulate the immune system called cytokines,
and these changes may benefit patients with MS.
The researchers drew their conclusions
after analyzing samples from 10 MS patients who took a supplement
of 25 micrograms (units) of vitamin D daily for 6 months.
The patients showed increased
levels of vitamin D in their blood, as well as
a change in cytokine levels.
But the investigators note that the study has not been in
progress long enough to observe changes in the clinical
symptoms of the participating MS patients.
The results were not completely unexpected
as the investigators had seen similar results in an animal
model of MS. Doctors should be aware of the detrimental
effects of vitamin D insufficiency for their MS patients
and make sure they are vitamin D adequate.
The study findings are supported by
the fact that the number of cases of MS is nearly zero near
the equator and increases with latitude in both hemispheres.
The increased sunlight near the equator allows the body
to produce more vitamin D, and may theoretically reduce
the incidence of MS.
However, Cantorna also pointed out that
vitamin D at high doses is toxic. "MS patients should
not take large amounts of vitamin D supplements. They should
increase their vitamin D intake under the supervision of
their doctors," she warned.
The current recommended dietary allowance
for vitamin D is 400 micrograms
(units) per day.
Sources
of vitamin D include adequate exposure to sunlight and cod
liver oil.
Experimental
Biology 2001 Conference in Orlando, Florida April 6, 2001
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