Vitamin D Deficiency Ups Risk of Multiple Sclerosis, Arthritis, Diabetes, and Cancers
August 26, 2010 Kyriaki (Sandy) Venetis Just about the only time most of us notice vitamin D is when we see it on a milk cartoon and even then we’re oblivious to it, but growing research says that maybe we shouldn’t be.
A study published earlier this week in Genome Research has mapped out the points where vitamin D interacts with our DNA. It also looked at how a deficiency of the vitamin in the body can increase the risk of a number of chronic conditions and illnesses.
Deficiencies in vitamin D can contribute to lower insulin production, which can exacerbate type-1 diabetes, sometimes called juvenile diabetes or insulin-dependent diabetes. This is a chronic condition where the pancreas produces little or no insulin.
Overall, vitamin D works in several ways. Dr. Allen C. Bowling, a neurologist at the Rocky Mountain Multiple Sclerosis Center, said, “It’s well known that vitamin D works to promote calcium absorption (which is why it’s in milk) for strong bones. However, recent research also suggests that vitamin D may have important effects on the immune system, and may help regulate cell growth and differentiation.
“In studies of immune cells, vitamin D shows anti-inflammatory effects. Additionally, a prior large ten-year study found that women who took vitamin D supplements were 40% less likely to multiple sclerosis.”