Vitamin D Treats & Prevents MS

According to a study, women who take vitamin D supplements through multivitamins are 40 percent less likely to develop multiple sclerosis (MS) than women who do not take supplements. The study, which involved 187,563 women, is the first examination to question if MS is caused by lack of sunlight, which prevent the body from making its own vitamin D.

Researchers examined data collected from two large studies involving the women, one was a 20-year-old study and the other was a 10-year-old study. The participants’ diets and use of multivitamin supplements were measured in the beginning of the study and then again every four years. Out of the 187,563 women participating in the study, 173 developed MS during the course of it.

Researchers divided the large group of women into groups based on vitamin D use. The study found that the risk of developing MS was lower both for those with high intakes of vitamin D supplements (400 IU or more per day) and for those with high intakes from the supplements and food. However, the study also suggested that the participants whose intake of vitamin D was only from food did not have any lesser risk of developing MS.

Dr. Mercola's Comments:

Evidence continues to mount showing that a little vitamin D can do a lot more than build strong bones. We've known for some time that vitamin D can affect function of the immune system, which could explain why it seems beneficial in this autoimmune condition.

In animal studies, vitamin D has been shown to suppress the autoimmune response in rats with a disorder very similar to MS. Other recent studies link vitamin D deficiency to a greater risk of other ailments, including heart disease, diabetes, unexplained muscle and joint pain, and various forms of cancer. As with MS and other autoimmune diseases, the secret may be in how this nutrient affects cell activity.

We need adequate amounts of vitamin D to keep cell growth and activity in check. When the body is deficient in this crucial nutrient--best known for coming from sunlight--cells can go haywire, become overly active or multiply too quickly. These results are not too surprising though as it's been well-known that if you live at a higher latitude, where there's less sun exposure, you're at a higher risk of developing MS. Conversely, if you live in a sunny climate where vitamin D can easily be absorbed year-round from sunlight for your first 10 years, it imprints on you a decreased MS risk that can last a lifetime.

If you or anyone you know has MS, it is imperative that they have their vitamin D blood levels checked to get the levels between 45 and 50 with a combination of sun exposure and supplemental vitamin D. If you follow my newsletter then you'll know that I recommend cod liver oil as the best source of vitamin D (other than the sun, of course).

When choosing your cod liver oil, be sure to choose a brand that has been purified of mercury and other toxins, and has the independent laboratory testing to prove it. I offer Carlson’s brand fish oil and cod liver oil because its high-quality and superior purity and freshness have been proven here in my clinic, whereas I have not been so satisfied with some other brands.