For years, adequate vitamin D has been associated with protection against multiple sclerosis (MS). It's exciting that a new study further supports this.
Harvard scientists studied blood levels of vitamin D through serum samples stored by the military. Over 250 cases from military personnel were examined using samples taken before the subjects developed MS. Two control subjects were used for each, matching the age, gender and ethnicity of the case under review.
The amount of vitamin D circulating in the blood was evaluated in relation to the risk of later developing MS. As the vitamin D level increased, the risk for MS decreased significantly. (For some reason, this finding applied to white subjects but not to Hispanic or black.)
The research abstract from the December 2006 Journal of the American Medical Association can be read here. For more information, a National Institutes of Health article discusses good sources of vitamin D.
Sunshine is one of the most readily available sources of vitamin D. Now that the general population in the West has become sun-phobic due to skin cancer concerns, many are suffering from lack of adequate sun exposure.
What can we do? Catch some rays (while avoiding the sun at mid-day), eat vitamin D-rich foods, and consult with a knowledgeable health practitioner who can advise you on any need for supplements.
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