Neon Beach

Vitamin D May Lower Risk Of Multiple Sclerosis
Posted on: 01/04/2007

In additional to vitamin D's widely-known health benefits, new research suggests it also may decrease risk of multiple sclerosis (MS).
A recent study published in JAMA (296:2832-38, 2006) examined the relationship between high serum levels of vitamin D and MS in more than seven million U.S military personnel. The participants had serum samples stored in the Department of Defense Serum Repository and MS cases were identified through Army and Navy physical disability databases for 1992 through 2004. Diagnoses were confirmed by medical record review. Each case was matched to two controls by age, sex, race/ethnicity, and dates of blood collection. Vitamin D status was estimated by averaging 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels of two or more serum samples collected before the date of initial MS symptoms.
Among whites (148 cases, 296 controls), the risk of MS significantly decreased with increasing levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D, particularly in participants less than 20 years old. Blacks and Hispanics (109 cases, 218 controls) who had lower 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels than whites had no significant associations between vitamin D and MS risk.
The researchers concluded that high-circulating levels of vitamin D are associated with a lower risk of MS.

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Mayor

Key words (Lower the risks) About 9 months ago my daughter was told she has MS. She thinks she should stay out of tanning beds because of the heat. She is 35 years old.........any help from those who have been in the business for years??? She very seldom has any flare ups, but, we know she will have more later. I am not asking for medical opions; we will get them from her Dr. Just friendly help and thought from those who might have some insights............Thanks again......James.