Vitamin D fights multiple sclerosis
via foodconsumer.org
By David Liu, PHD
Sunday Aug 13, 2012 (foodconsumer.org) -- Taking vitamin D or D3
supplements may help prevent or fight multiple sclerosis, according to a
study in the July 2012 issue of Therapeutic Advances in Neurological
Disorders.
The observational study led by C. Pierrot-Deseilligny of Université
Pierre et Marie Curie (Paris VI) in Paris, France and colleagues showed
a 10 nmol/L increase in the serum 25(OH)D level was associated with
13.7 percent reduction in the relapse incidence rate of multiple
sclerosis.
In the study, 3,010 IU per day of vitamin D3 was given to156
patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis who were treated
first line immunomodulatory therapy and whose serum 25(OH)D levels at
baseline were below 100 nmol/L or 40 ng/ml for nearly 30 months. Serum
vitamin D was measured once before and several times after
supplementation.
As a result, vitamin D supplementation was found to increase serum
vitamin D levels from 49 nmol/L to 110 nmol/L on average. And serum
vitamin D levels were found strongly inversely associated with the
relapse incident rate of multiple sclerosis.
The relapse rate of multiple sclerosis decreased as 25(OH)D
increased up to 110 nmol/L after which a plateau was reached and higher
vitamin D levels did not lower the rate any further.
The findings suggest that vitamin D may have a protective effect against multiple sclerosis.
Multiple sclerosis is an autoimmune disease that affects the spinal
cord and the brain or central nervous system. The disease affects more
women than men. Patients are likely aged between 20 and 40 even though
it can be diagnosed in a person at any age.
Multiple sclerosis symptoms can vary from person to person and can
be found in many parts of the body. Common symptoms include muscle
problems like muscle spasms, bowel and bladder symptoms including
difficult starting to urinate, eye symptoms like double vision, pain,
and other brain and nerve symptoms like hearing loss, depression or
feelings of sadness, sexual problems like erection dysfunction, and
speech problems.
Isotonix® Vitamin D with K2
What makes Isotonix® Vitamin D with K2 product unique?
Isotonix
Vitamin D with K2 contains vitamin D3, the metabolically active form of
vitamin D, along with vitamin K2, a form of vitamin K which supports
vascular health and calcium utilization. Vitamin D plays an important
role in bone health, heart health and immune support while working with
vitamin K to support normal absorption of calcium and promote healthy
arteries. Isotonix Vitamin D is the first of its kind to deliver both of
these powerful vitamins with isotonic delivery.
Vitamin
K is included in Isotonix Vitamin D with K2 because of its unique
partnership with vitamin D. Vitamins K and D work together to support
calcium absorption and utilization. Vitamin K supports the normal
delivery of calcium to the bones and promotes healthy arteries.
At
least two naturally occurring forms of vitamin K have been identified
and are known as K1 and K2. While there are many similarities between
these two forms of vitamin K, they are distinguished by their important
differences. The most significant difference between K1 and K2
is their chemical structure, which results in different pharmacokinetic
properties. Vitamin K1 is retained primarily in the liver where, at
high doses, it may interfere with the action of warfarin and other
anticoagulant medications.
Vitamin
K2 has a different mechanism of action. It is transported primarily to
bones and blood vessels. Vitamin K2 helps to maintain bone mass, support
calcium utilization and promote elasticity of blood vessels.
Some
studies have concluded that vitamin K2 does not interfere with
anticoagulant medications.* However, most products containing vitamin K
(including K1 and/or K2) warn users
taking anticoagulants not to take the product. If you are currently
taking warfarin or another anticoagulant medication, you should consult
your physician before taking any product containing vitamin K1 or K2.