Revolutionary Advances in the Prevention of Demyelinating Diseases.

Vit D Essential for MS Patients

This collective review focuses on three major factors that influence the incidences of multiple sclerosis (MS) to include ultraviolet radiation (UVR), vitamin D3 supplementation, and vitamin D receptor gene (VDRG) polymorphisms.

In general, the rate of MS increases with latitude. Individuals tend to carry their original risk with them if they migrate to a different latitude after adolescence. It is important to emphasise that UVR increases the synthesis of vitamin D3, which has a known immune suppressant action via the VDRG. Clinical studies have pointed out that vitamin D deficiency may exacerbate the development of MS.

Because vitamin D3 is an inhibitor of MS, providing supplemental D3 for individuals at risk for MS should be mandatory. There is unanimous agreement that exposure to UVR and vitamin D3 supplementation can reduce the incidence of MS.

Although there is debate regarding the association of MS with the use of silver mercury fillings, there is general agreement throughout the world that there is a need for dental-patient informed-consent brochures for all dentists who use dental restoration materials. For the dentists who remove silver mercury amalgam from their patients, there is a uniform international agreement that all dental offices should use reliable debris collection devices that prevent pollution of our environment.

Edlich R, Mason SS, Chase ME, Fisher AL, Gubler K, Long WB 3rd, Newkirk AT. Legacy Verified Level I Shock Trauma Center Pediatrics and Adults, Legacy Emanual Hospital. Revolutionary advances in the prevention of demyelinating diseases. J Environ Pathol Toxicol Oncol. 2009;28(2):143-52 View Abstract

Vitamin D: a Natural Inhibitor of Multiple Sclerosis.

Inheriting genetic risk factors for multiple sclerosis (MS) is not sufficient to cause this demyelinating disease of the central nervous system; exposure to environmental risk factors is also required. MS may be preventable if these unidentified environmental factors can be avoided.

MS prevalence increases with decreasing solar radiation, suggesting that sunlight may be protective in MS. Since the vitamin D endocrine system is exquisitely responsive to sunlight, and MS prevalence is highest where environmental supplies of vitamin D are lowest, we have proposed that the hormone, 1, 25-dihydroxycholecalciferol (1,25-(OH)2D3), may protect genetically-susceptible individuals from developing MS.

Evidence consistent with this hypothesis comes not only from geographic studies, but also genetic and biological studies. Over-representation of the vitamin D receptor gene b allele was found in Japanese MS patients, suggesting it may confer MS susceptibility.

Fish oil is an excellent vitamin D source, and diets rich in fish may lower MS prevalence or severity. Vitamin D deficiency afflicts most MS patients, as demonstrated by their low bone mass and high fracture rates. However, the clearest evidence that vitamin D may be a natural inhibitor of MS comes from experiments with experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), a model of MS.

Treatment of mice with 1,25-(OH)2D3 completely inhibited EAE induction and progression. The hormone stimulated the synthesis of two anti-encephalitogenic cytokines, interleukin 4 and transforming growth factor beta-1, and influenced inflammatory cell trafficking or apoptosis. If vitamin D is a natural inhibitor of MS, providing supplemental vitamin D to individuals who are at risk for MS would be advisable.

Hayes CE. Vitamin D: a natural inhibitor of multiple sclerosis. Proc Nutr Soc. 2000 Nov;59(4):531-5. View Abstract