Vitamin D Deficit May Trigger MS Risk Gene

Supplements during pregnancy and early years could cut child's susceptibility, study says

Posted: February 5, 2009

THURSDAY, Feb. 5 (HealthDay News) -- A direct interaction between vitamin D and a common genetic variant may affect a person's risk of multiple sclerosis, according to British and Canadian researchers who also said that vitamin D deficiency while in the womb and early in life may increase the risk of MS later in life.

Both genetic and environmental factors play a role in MS, a neurological condition that affects 2.5 million people worldwide. Vitamin D is a major environmental factor, and the largest genetic effect comes from the region on chromosome six containing a gene variant called DRB1*1501 and from adjacent DNA sequences.

In the general population, about one in 1,000 people will develop MS. But that increases to about one in 300 among people who have a single copy of the DRB1*1501 and about one in 100 among people with two copies of the variant.

The study found that proteins activated by vitamin D in the body bind to a particular DNA sequence lying next to the DRB1*1501 variant, which causes the gene to switch on.

The study was published in the Feb. 6 edition of PLoS Genetics.

"In people with the DRB1 variant associated with MS, it seems that vitamin D may play a critical role. If too little of the vitamin is available, the gene may not function properly," study co-author Julian Knight said in a journal news release.

The researchers believe that vitamin D deficiency in mothers or even in a previous generation may lead to altered expression of DRB1*1501 in offspring.

"Our study implies that taking vitamin D supplements during pregnancy and the early years may reduce the risk of child developing MS in later life," lead author Dr. Sreeram Ramagopalan said in the news release. "Vitamin D is a safe and relatively cheap supplement with substantial potential health benefits. There is accumulating evidence that it can reduce the risk of developing cancer and offer protection from other autoimmune diseases."

More information

The Multiple Sclerosis Society has more about genetics and MS.

Reply to Paul of Tx (Vitamin D vs illness)

Interesting you should ask ...
Researchers have discovered that the risk of MS is greater with increasing distance from the equator. Even in the United States, MS is more common in northern states than it is in southern states. According to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, the rate of MS in the United States below the 37th parallel is 57 to 78 cases per 100,000 people. Above the 37th parallel, the rate of MS is 110 to 140 cases per 100,000 people -- approximately twice the rate as below the 37th parallel.
As to Vitamin D and it's possible effects .... My wife was diagnosed with MS over 7 years ago. Since that time, she has developed increasing generalized pain in her body, dental problems (none before), and numerous other health issues. Many non-neurologic doctors shrug their shoulders and say "it must be your MS". Yet her neurologist did not and does not believe this to be true.
Very recent (i.e. on-going) testing by physicians at the Cleveland Clinic have discovered that her Vitamin D levels are undetectable. Also, consider that virtually ALL of the maladies/symptoms she has experienced over the past several years are listed as those associated with Vitamin D deficiency. Just a coincidence? I think not and I have great hope that the continued efforts/treatments by the Clinic's physicians may reverse or eliminate at least some of her suffering.
As to the other doctors that shrugged the symptoms off to MS .... I guess that's why they call it "practicing medicine".

Bill K - North of the 37th Parallel of OH @ Feb 05, 2009 18:37:24 PM

Vitamin D

There are also differences in rates of other diseases influenced by vit D when plotted in relation to latitude, for example prostate cancer. (higher latitude = less vit D = somewhat greater risk of prostate cancer) There has been a concern among some docs that because people have become SO aware of trying to avoid skin cancer that they may be 'voluntarily' lowering their levels of vit D by not getting enough sun or blocking out it's effects (both good and bad) with sun-block. Nothing is simple when it comes to health!!

Leo K of CA @ Feb 05, 2009 17:50:21 PM

MS'er from ND

I have MS and live in North Dakota. Since being diagnosed in 2005 I have done lots of research and it is true that the closer you live to the equator they less likely you are to have MS which coincides with this study. Let's hope this will help them some day soon develop a cure for this disease!!!

Paula of ND @ Feb 05, 2009 16:33:15 PM

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Vitamin D Deficit May Trigger MS Risk Gene

Supplements during pregnancy and early years could cut child's susceptibility, study says

Reply to Paul of Tx (Vitamin D vs illness)

Vitamin D

MS'er from ND

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Vitamin D Deficit May Trigger MS Risk Gene

Supplements during pregnancy and early years could cut child's susceptibility, study says

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Reply to Paul of Tx (Vitamin D vs illness)

Vitamin D

MS'er from ND

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