According to research done at the New Jersey Medical School, vitamin D may play a role in fighting both multiple sclerosis (MS) and various types of cancers.
Vitamin D, which helps with calcium absorption in the body, may also help prevent the formation of breast, cancer, and other malignant cells as it also protects the body against certain automimmune disorders – such as multiple sclerosis.
Notes researcher Sylvia Christakos, PhD, of the UMDNJ-New Jersey Medical School, “One device of vitamin D action may be to preserve balance in the T-cell reaction and thus avoid autoimmunity.”
This important health booster is available through sun exposure (minimum of 10-15 minutes, mid-day, daily), supplements, and diet. Naturally-occurring food sources include eggs (yolks), liver, and fatty fish such as salmon, tuna, mackerel and sardines; fortified food sources include milk, some breakfast cereals, and other products such as fortified drinks, bread, and flour.
How much vitamin D is enough? Experts vary, but assume the 400 IU is the lower limit for adults, and 1,000 IU the upper limit.
For further information: “Vitamin D and Multiple Sclerosis,” by Sylvia Christakos, PhD, Anita Raghuwanshi, PhD, and Sneha S. Joshi, PhD, Journal of Cellular Biochemistry, July 24, 2008.
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Scientists recently discovered in addition to inflammation, there is another important process, degeneration, which causes nervous system damage in MS. Learn more about this study in, MS Research Update:The Great Debate--Inflammation vs Degeneration.
See MS Treatment: Advances in MS Therapy for more information about currently approved Multiple Sclerosis (MS) medications and therapies.
