Why Vitamin D Might Play a Role

Many know that Vitamin D helps grow strong bones. Did you know that it also affects a wide range of functions throughout the body including immunity, muscle function, and possibly even cancer risk? Some studies have shown that Vitamin D may play a key role in the development of Multiple Sclerosis.

Geography & Multiple Sclerosis

Multiple Sclerosis tends to be more common in regions that receive less sunlight. Scientists theorized that vitamin D may play a role in Multiple Sclerosis risk.

Why this matters

This study shows that the amount of Vitamin D in your blood correlates with your Vitamin D risk if you are White. Interestingly, this same effect was not found in African Americans.

Data Source Quote:

"Our results converge with a growing body of evidence supporting a protective role for vitamin D in MS development. Vitamin D is a potent immunomodulator, and several studies have shown that administration of the biologically active hormone 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D prevents EAE onset and progression in mice."

Why this matters

This study suggests that taking vitamin D supplements may correlate with a lower risk of developing multiple sclerosis. This is just a correlation, but it suggests that supplementation may be worthwhile if you don't get enough sunlight.

Data Source:

"Intake of vitamin D from supplements was also inversely associated with risk of MS; the RR comparing women with intake of ≥400 IU/day with women with no supplemental vitamin D intake was 0.59 (95% CI = 0.38 to 0.91; p for trend = 0.006). ... These results support a protective effect of vitamin D intake on risk of developing MS."

Key Takeaways

There is evidence supporting that Vitamin D levels and Vitamin D supplement intake may correlate with Multiple Sclerosis risk. As with all observational studies, we can't yet determine whether Vitamin D causes a reduction in risk.