D4MS New research has strengthened the link between the sunshine vitamin and multiple sclerosis prevention. In a study published last month in the Journal of the American Medical Association, scientists report that people with the highest circulating levels of vitamin D had the lowest risk of developing the debilitating autoimmune disease.
The study assessed vitamin D levels in blood samples from 257 MS patients and 514 matched controls. They found that people with the highest levels of circulating vitamin D were more than 60 percent less likely to have the disease. The connection only held true for white people; smaller subsets of black and Hispanic people didn't show any correlation.
The scientists say more research is needed, but also point out that this may explain the geographical differences in MS incidence rates. I'd say it's just another reason to start taking a vitamin D supplement. I've already told you how this nutrient can help protect you from cancer, arthritis, osteoporosis, and even the flu, and how difficult it is to get all you need from the sun. Ask your doctor today to schedule a 25 hydroxy vitamin D blood level test, and if your results are lower than 30 nanograms per milliliter, start taking at least 1,000 IUs of cholecalciferol (vitamin D3) a day. Based on my reading of the evidence, I believe your level should ideally be above 40 nanograms per milliliter, although some investigators are happy with the lower number. If your level is below 10 nanograms per milliliter, ask your doctor for a referral to an endocrinologist, as you may need further evaluation and more aggressive treatment. Also consider a referral if your doctor doesn't seem to know much about the subject
-- although reliable and authoritative research has been appearing for several years on the Vitamin D in mainstream medical literature, I find many primary care doctors are still unaware of its importance.
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 There are times when medical news is too urgent to wait until the next issue, so Dr. Alan Inglis keeps in touch with you through House Calls.
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