Vitamin D Deficiency Increases Risk Of Multiple Sclerosis

First Posted: Aug 26, 2015 05:11 PM EDT
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New findings published in the journal PLOS Medicine link low levels of vitamin D to an increased risk of multiple sclerosis.

Researchers at McGill University discovered a potential genetic decrease in the natural-log-transformed vitamin D level by one standard deviation associated with a 2-fold increased risk of multiple sclerosis.

This debilitating neurodegenerative illness affects the nerves in both the brain and spinal cord with no known cure and typically presents itself between the ages of 20 and 40.

In this recent study, researchers examined data from 14,498 people with multiple sclerosis and 24,091 healthy controls. The study authors discovered a genetic decrease in the natural-log-transformed vitamin D levels by one standard deviation associated via a 20-fold increased risk of the disease.

Based on findings, researchers concluded that genetically lowered vitamin D levels are strongly linked to an increased risk of multiple sclerosis. However, researchers added that whether vitamin D sufficiency can delay or prevent the onset of multiple sclerosis will require further research.

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