HealthLink: Serum Vitamin D levels and Multiple Sclerosis Risk
The first ever prospective case-control study on vitamin D levels and multiple sclerosis (MS) found a strong inverse relationship in Caucasians. Researchers found a 41% decrease in MS risk for every 50-nmol/L increase in 25-hydroxyvitamin D (a good indicator of vitamin D availability to tissues). Moreover, they noted a particularly strong inverse association between MS and vitamin D levels measured at ages 16 to 19 years. This suggests levels in late adolescence are likely important. No significant associations between vitamin D levels and MS were found among the African Americans and Hispanics in this study.
The study population included over 7 million military personnel in the United States who had stored serum samples. A total of 257 MS cases were identified based on physical disability databases for 1992 through 2004. To control for confounding factors, each MS case was then 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 onset of MS symptoms. These results add to epidemiological and experimental evidence suggesting vitamin D, a potent immunomodulator in its hormonal form, may decrease the risk of MS.
CONSUMER TIPS:
In winter, many Canadians may be at risk of low vitamin D levels. In Canada, the sunlight’s intensity is insufficient for vitamin D synthesis in the skin for 4 to 6 months of the year. Fatty fish, liver, egg yolks and lean beef are naturally good sources of vitamin D. Milk and margarine are also fortified with vitamin D in Canada.
HealthLink is an e-mail newsletter from the team of registered dietitians at the Beef Information Centre: a non-profit organization committed to provide credible and timely information. Please share it with colleagues.
To learn more, see the study abstract -
Munger KL et al. JAMA, 2006; 20; 269(23):2832-8.
Subscribe to HealthLink.