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Vitamin D and autoimmune disease--implications for practice from the multiple sclerosis literature.
Mark BL, Carson JA.
Department of Clinical Nutrition, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas 75390-8877, USA. barbara.mark@utsouthwestern.edu
Recent studies and commentaries link vitamin D with several autoimmune diseases, including multiple sclerosis (MS). Adequate vitamin D intake reduces inflammatory cytokines through control of gene expression, thus inadequate vitamin D intake is suggested as a mechanism that could contribute to inflammation and, consequently, development of MS. Poor vitamin D status has been associated with increased risk for development of MS, and patients with MS may suffer consequences of vitamin D deficiency, such as bone loss. Animal studies and very limited human data suggest possible benefit from vitamin D supplementation in patients with MS. Based on the current state of research, a key principle for practicing dietetics professionals is to include vitamin D status in nutritional assessment. For those at risk for poor vitamin D status, intake can be enhanced by food-based advice and, when indicated, vitamin D supplementation.
PMID: 16503232 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
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