Thanks to its many psychological functions, from cognitive to supporting the immune system, vitamin D is essential for maintaining health. Research shows that it plays an important role in reducing the risk of multiple sclerosis.
Multiple sclerosis is a disease that affects the brain, spinal cord and optic nerves. It is an autoimmune disease, in which the immune system attacks the myelin – the sheath that forms around the nerve fibers to protect them – causing interruptions in the signals (communication) in the central nervous system.
People with multiple sclerosis have unpredictable symptoms, such as tingling, mood swings, memory problems, numbness, pain, fatigue, and even blindness and paralysis. These symptoms can be temporary or, in more serious cases, long-lasting and debilitating, writes Mind Body Green.
What is the connection between the level of vitamin D and multiple sclerosis
People with a higher level of vitamin D in their blood are less exposed to multiple sclerosis, according to a 2018 study by Neurology and Therapy. In particular, women who consume approximately 700 units of vitamin D per day have a 33% lower incidence of the disease than those who consumed less vitamin D daily.
Studies show that many women suffer from vitamin D deficiency, so it wouldn’t hurt to get tested and supplement if necessary.
Research suggests that vitamin D deficiency is prevalent in multiple sclerosis populations – a study of 149 patients published by the EPMA Journal in 2019 found that 90% had low vitamin D levels.
Why do we need a lot of vitamin D during the winter? How to avoid the deficit
An optimal level of vitamin D is 30 ng/ml or more, and research on disease prevention suggests that a higher level of 25(OH)D is much more beneficial for decreasing the risk of disease, including multiple sclerosis.
Also, a JAMA study that evaluated more than seven million US military personnel showed that people with vitamin D levels greater than 40 ng/ml had a 62% lower risk of developing multiple sclerosis.
The best way to support the effectiveness of vitamin D
An average person should consume 5,000 units of vitamin D3 (not D2) daily.
Sufficient intake of vitamin D from exposure to the sun can be almost impossible (and even uncertain, taking into account that now we use creams with UV protection that block ultraviolet rays and implicitly the production of vitamin D). Even food is not a sufficient source of vitamin D, say doctors.
Therefore, sunlight and food are simply not effective ways to obtain an adequate amount of vitamin D, and therefore we are left with only one option: high-quality vitamin D supplements.
By taking a premium vitamin D supplement with 5,000 IU of D3 per day, you give your body the best possible chance to reach (and maintain) a truly optimal level of vitamin D. Just make sure you’re taking vitamin D with a fat source to optimize absorption and bioavailability. Or you can choose a supplement with incorporated fats.
Photo: Freepik.com
2023-12-07 06:05:25
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