Multiple Sclerosis is an autoimmune disorder characterized by the immune system mistakenly attacking the central nervous system. Doctor’s diagnose MS using MRI scans to check the brain or spinal cord for two or more lesions or inflamed areas. They may also diagnose this disorder based on two symptomatic episodes that are at least a month apart.
MS Symptoms
There is no specific test for multiple sclerosis, nor will two cases of MS be exactly alike. The signs and symptoms of MS will depend on where the brain or spinal cord lesions are located. An example of this would be having problems with sight, and finding lesions on the optic nerve.
Typical symptoms of multiple sclerosis include:
- Slurring of speech
- Feeling dizzy or light-headed
- Stumbling, having a problem with balance
- Issues with vision, such as blurriness or temporary blindness
- Numbness and tingling sensations in the arms or legs
- Muscle weakness
Common multiple sclerosis symptoms also include:
- Bladder and/or bowel issues
- Cognitive problems including concentration or memory problems
- Difficulty completing known tasks
- Clinical depression
- Fatigue
- Insomnia
- Heat Sensitivity from the sun, exertion, a hot shower, or fever
- Impotence and loss of sensitivity in sexual matters
- Having mild to painful muscle spasms
MS and Vitamin D
Vitamin D has been the target of several studies as a possible preventive measure or treatment for Multiple Sclerosis. See Web MD study results for one study.
The results of some studies suggest that vitamin D might lower the risk of developing MS due to its protective properties is adequate levels of this substance are maintained in the body. For those who already have multiple sclerosis there have been studies that show that vitamin D might reduce how bad the symptoms are and how often the symptoms appear.
MS is a disorder where the body’s immune system attacks the nerve cell covering, creating lesions or inflamed areas. Vitamin D has a known positive effect on the immune system and many of the studies have focused on this connection to MS. This connection is further strengthened when you consider that the farther a person lives from the equator, the higher their risk for multiple sclerosis. There are many theories focused on sun exposure offering protection from MS. The body uses sunlight to make vitamin D, and so it follow that taking a vitamin D supplement may help the body ward off or fight MS.
The recommended dosage for vitamin D is 600 IUs or international units per day for anyone between the ages of nineteen and seventy. This recommendation comes from the Institute of Medicine, who also recommend that at age 71 the dosage for vitamin D should increase to 800 IUs each day. There are some doctors and researchers who recommend higher levels. It is important to note that the Institute of Medicine believes adults should not take more than 4,000 IUs of vitamin D in a 24 hour period as the higher levels over an extended period of time can lead to vitamin D toxicity.
Signs and symptoms of vitamin D toxicity include:
- Elevated calcium levels, which may result in kidney stones
- Nausea and vomiting
- Constipation
- Weight loss
- Loss of appetite
- Weakness
Vitamin D
Besides the body turning sunlight into vitamin D, it can also be found in many dietary sources that include fortified milk, eggs, cod liver oil, and fish. Ten minutes of sunlight exposure each day is believed to be enough to prevent a vitamin D deficiency.
There are actually two forms of vitamin D that humans can utilize. Vitamin D2 or ergocalciferol is synthesized by plants, and vitamin D3 or cholecalciferol is synthesized by human skin when touched by the suns UVB rays. Both vitamin D2 and vitamin D3 can be used to fortify food.
Vitamin D is used by the body to maintain calcium and phosphorus levels in the blood. This helps maintain strong bones and decrease fractures. It is also used to protect against several autoimmune diseases, such as Multiple Sclerosis.
Specific segments of the population are known be more susceptible to vitamin D deficiencies. This includes breastfed infants, those suffering from obesity, the elderly, and those who have limited exposure to natural sunlight.
Summary
Vitamin D has been found through research studies to have an impact on preventing and treating multiple sclerosis. It is recommended that individuals who have been diagnosed with the disease to speak with their doctors about the amount of vitamin D they should be taking. Since having a vitamin D deficiency may contribute to causing multiple sclerosis, it is important that everyone get enough sunlight, dietary forms of vitamin D, or take a vitamin D supplement to ensure the are getting enough of this substance in their bloodstream.