How Does Vitamin D Work In Multiple Sclerosis?

by Rebecca Oshiro

A reader recently asked, after noticing a plethora of articles on vitamin D and multiple sclerosis (MS), how does vitamin D actually work in this condition? Yes, we see it’s probably important for MS, but why? How does it work? The Vitamin D Council asked me to write on this topic, which I systematically reviewed just this past March.

To start, I’d like to note that while it appears that vitamin D and sunlight play a strong role in preventing the development of (MS), researchers are still trying to pinpoint exactly how it works. Researchers may discover that vitamin D is essential for preventing MS without fully understanding the mechanisms.
MS is an autoimmune condition where the body’s immune system attacks the nerves in the brain and spinal cord. In 1974, Goldberg was the first to suggest a link between vitamin D and MS. He noted that MS was much more common in areas with less sun and proposed that the resulting low vitamin D levels of people in these areas interfered with their ability to properly form nerve cells.

In 1986, Goldberg performed a very small study in which he supplemented MS patients with 5,000 IU of vitamin D per day by giving them cod liver oil. The patients also received magnesium and calcium. There was no placebo group, but those receiving the vitamins had a significantly lower rate of relapses than before treatment.

Since Goldberg’s work, a large amount of research continues to link low sun exposure and vitamin D levels with MS. Several recent clinical trials have yielded promising results, but they include too few people to make solid conclusions about the role of vitamin D in preventing and treating multiple sclerosis.
But just what are the proposed mechanisms for how vitamin D might treat and prevent MS?
The majority of the research linking vitamin D and MS is actually research studying the link between the amount of sun exposure people get and whether or not they develop MS. Because people that report being in the sun more have less risk of developing MS, and because most people get their vitamin D by exposing their bare skin to sunlight, it is assumed that vitamin D is primarily responsible for this protective effect, though we need more research to say for sure.

As mentioned above, multiple sclerosis is an autoimmune disease where the body’s own immune system attacks insulating sheaths of nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord. The result is the body has a hard time communicating with itself. Vitamin D and sunlight – if effective – probably work by smartening the immune system and decreasing inflammation.

Sunlight contains ultraviolet (UV) A and B radiation. UV radiation affects the immune system, making it less inflammatory and less likely to attack other cells of the body. A handful of animal studies show that UVB radiation alone, without any significant vitamin D production, suppresses the symptoms of MS.
Many cells of the immune system have vitamin D receptors and activate vitamin D for their own use. In laboratory studies, when immune cells are exposed to active vitamin D, they become less inflammatory and decrease the amount of antibodies they produce. These changes might mean that the immune system can function more normally and not attack other areas of the body, like the brain and spinal cord.
Cells throughout the brain and spinal cord also have vitamin D receptors. In studies where very large doses of vitamin D are given, the type of nerve cell break down usually seen in MS patients is significantly reduced. Thus it appears that vitamin D works somehow by promoting normal nerve cell development and protecting the cells from attack by an immune system gone awry.

Lastly, researchers are looking at differences in genes that encode for the enzymes that make and break down vitamin D. This could mean inheriting certain genes increases your risk for developing MS because your ability to make and maintain levels of activated vitamin D is altered. The HLA-DRB1*1501 gene is most strongly associated with multiple sclerosis, and in vitro studies show that vitamin D regulates how it expresses itself.

The link between vitamin D deficiency and MS is one of the most exciting areas in vitamin D research, and researchers are scrambling to learn more about the role vitamin D can play in the prevention and treatment of MS. We should have a better idea of just how it is vitamin D works to prevent MS from developing and a better understanding of how much oral vitamin D people with MS should take to treat their condition in the next 5 years or so.

Sources

Goldberg, P. Multiple sclerosis: vitamin D and calcium as environmental determinants of prevalence (A viewpoint) part 1: sunlight, dietary factors and epidemiology. Intern. J. Environmental Studies. 1974;6(1)19-27.
Goldberg P, Fleming MC, Picard EH. Multiple sclerosis: decreased relapse rate through dietary supplementation with calcium, magnesium and vitamin D. Med Hypotheses. 1986;21(2):193-200.
Holmøy T, Kampman MT, Smolders J. Vitamin D in multiple sclerosis: implications for assessment and treatment. Expert Rev Neurother. 2012;12(9):1101-12.
Faridar A, Eskandari G, Sahraian MA, Minagar A, Azimi A. Vitamin D and multiple sclerosis: a critical review and recommendations on treatment. Acta Neurol Belg. 2012;112(4):327-33.
Ho SL, Alappat L, Awad AB. Vitamin D and multiple sclerosis. Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr. 2012;52(11):980-7.

Reference : http://www.vitamindcouncil.org/blog/how-does-vitamin-d-work-in-multiple-sclerosis/

Vitamin A - The Best Foods for Eyes

The following foods are not only helping the eyes look brighter, however, proved unable to prevent a variety of diseases such as cataract, makular degeneration and other eye complaints.

1. Eggs. 

Eggs contain a good source of nutrients for the eye such as vitamin A, zinc, lutein, B12, vitamin D, and cysteine. Lutein and zeaxanthin are found in the egg white is the best antioxidant to prevent macular degeneration and cataracts.

2. Spinach. 

Just as eggs, spinach also contains a lot of lutein and zeaxanthin. In addition vitamin C is also able to prevent glaucoma.

3.   Garlic. 

Garlic contains selenium, vitamin C, vitamin B1, quercetin, and glutathione, which protects the lens of the eye against free radicals like UV rays. Garlic can also keep blood circulation thereby strengthening the optical cells and the immune system.

4. Salmon. 

This one fish contain more omega-3 than fish and other seafood. Studies show that those who regularly consumed omega-3 fatty acids will avoid dry eye disorders.

5. Sunflower seeds. 

The content of selenium, vitamin E, and zinc it is able to prevent cataracts and macular degeneration caused by aging. It also contains vitamin B2 to overcome disease photophobia (eye sensitivity to light).

6. Carrots. 

All certainly knows carrots are very good for eye health because it is rich in beta-carotene. Beta-carotene is converted by the body into vitamin A, which plays an important role for the eye. Carrots can also help the body to release free radicals.

7.    Avocado. 

Avocados contain lutein has most of the other pieces. Lutein is important to prevent macular degeneration and cataracts. Avocado also acts as an absorber of essential nutrients such as alpha and beta-carotene to make vitamin A that can be absorbed by the body well.

8.    Tomato. 

Tomatoes are good for skin health, but also have many benefits for the eyes. Tomatoes are rich in vitamin A, vitamin C and lycopene, it is very important nutrients to the eye.

9.   Cabbage. 

This is a good vegetable to treat eye because the same nutritional content as spinach are lutein and zeaxanthin. Both of these nutrients function as 'sunglasses' that protect the eyes against ultraviolet rays. Not only that, eating cabbage shown to lower the risk of cataracts by 22%.

10. Dark Chocolate. 

Dark chocolate or dark chocolate may increase visual acuity. It contains flavonoids that protect blood vessels of the eye that automatically strengthens the cornea and retina. So for those of you who do not like carrots, consuming pure dark chocolate could be an option. 

Sources of Vitamin A (Retinol)

Vitamin A, also known as Retinol is vitamin a much needed body. During this time, most of us only know as vitamin that functions maintain eye health. But actually, the function of this vitamin is very much. 

Retinol is a vitamin A that is stored in the liver after absorption and use by the body when needed. By ingesting certain fruits, vegetables, grains and supplements, you can ensure your intake of vitamin A is met. 

The average person should consume at least 900 micrograms of vitamin A per day, and no more than 3,000 micrograms.

Functions and Benefits of Vitamin A

The following is the function of vitamin A for humans in addition to eye health:

1. Optimize of fetal development 

Vitamin A is very important for pregnant women. Because it is easily soluble in water and fat that is necessary for the health of the baby. Such as helping the development of eye cells, organs eye, for the growth of bone, skin health, and help the development of the heart. 

2. Inhibit of breast cancer cell

Based on recent research scientists from America, revealed that vitamin A can inhibit the growth cancer that often affects women, namely of breast cancer. Although not directly, but the form of derivatives such as retinoic acid or retinol is what will inhibit the growth of cancer tissue itself.

3. Immune enhancing (immunity)

Vitamin A palmitate and retinyl containing retinyl acetate can prevent infection from a wide variety of small organisms that can harm the body. Such as bacteria that try to enter the body through the respiratory and food.

4. Inhibit the process of premature aging

Vitamin A can produce antioxidants that can ward off free radicals. Free radicals are not clean air that is inhaled by our respiratory organs. Because the higher the antioxidant reaction itself, the more pollution that enters the body. But with vitamin A, the free-radical damage can be prevented to slow the aging process of the skin. 

Various Sources of Vitamin A

a. Cereals. Derived from yellow corn and oats

b. Tubers. Tubers contain a lot of vitamin A are yellow potatoes, steamed yellow potatoes, red sweet potato, yam red

c. Grains. From the grains or legumes are peas and beans

d. Vegetables. Vegetables that contain a lot of vitamin A include daffodils, spinach, spinach fried chips, bunkil taro leaves, red amaranth, velvetleaf leaves, guava leaves, cashew leaves, bean leaves, and leaves the other forages, Gandaria, green beans, kale, Chinese cabbage , pumpkin, soy pack, shy daughter, young ranti, seaweed, cabbage, clover, eggplant and carrots Hintalo

e. Fruits. Examples are apples, domestic fruit, persimmon, mango, papaya, banana, and breadfruit Sowa

f. Animal. Animal sources of vitamin A derived from chicken, duck, lamb kidney, beef liver, chicken liver, liver sausage, various types of fish (rabbitfishes, skipjack, cork, kawalinya, clams, lehoma, malugis, crab, sardines, coral trout, and tuna Titang ), fish eggs and salted eggs.

g. Processed products. In addition there is also a natural vitamin A derived from processed like cream, butter, fish oil, palm oil, fish meal and milk powder. 

Foods that contain higher of vitamin A :

a.     liver (beef, pork, chicken, turkey, fish) (6500 mg 722%)

b.     carrots (835 mcg 93%)

c.     broccoli (800 mg 89%)

d.     sweet potatoes (709 mg 79%)

e.     butter (684 mg 76%)

f.      kale (681 mcg 76%)

g.     spinach (469 mcg 52%)

h.     flask (400 mg 41%)

i.       collard greens (333 mg 37%)

j.      Cheddar cheese (265 mg 29%)

k.     melon (169 mg 19%)

l.       eggs (140 mg 16%)

m.   apricot (96 mg 11%)

n.     papaya (55 mg 6%)

o.     mango (38 mg 4%)

p.     beans (38 mg 4%)

q.     broccoli (31 mg 3%)

r.      milk (28 mg 3%) 

Vitamin A deficiency

Deficiency of vitamin A are found in some regions such as Southeast Asia, where rice is milled into rice (which contains very little vitamin A) is the staple food.

Signs of Vitamin A Deficiency

Have you ever heard low birth weight infants? Must have it. Well, low birth weight babies who happen to bring a deficiency of vitamin A. Because infants with low weight, which weight less than 2.5 kg baby more easily threatened by deficiency of vitamin A.  

On the development of the baby's age if not treated immediately get intake of vitamin A, diseases such as night blindness, corneal xerosis be suffered.

Other diseases such as autoimmune lung diseases and ARI (Acute Respiratory Infection). Lung disease is due to a lack of vitamins including vitamin A.  

Usually autonium disease of the lungs attacks adults who had a habit of smoking. But can also attack the baby if deficient intake of vitamin A. Because vitamin deficiency according to the table, that vitamin A that gives greater influence on the body's T cells. T cell immunity is what affects the body. 

Diseases caused by deficiency of Vitamin A:

1. Hemeralopia arising due to the decreasing ability of the bacillus cells at twilight

2. Bitot spots (damage to the retina)

3. Seroftalmia (cornea dries due to disruption of the tear glands)

4. Keratomalasi (totally damaged corneas due to reduced oil production meibomian)

5. Frinoderma (skin scaly feet and hands due to the formation of skin epithelium is interrupted)

6. Bleeding of the lining of the intestines, kidneys, and lungs due to the destruction of epithelial organs

7. The process stalled growth

8. Some of the diseases that affect the ability of the intestine to absorb fats and fat-soluble vitamins, increases the risk of vitamin A deficiency. 

These diseases are:

·      Seliak Disease

·      Cystic Fibrosis

·      Blockage of the bile duct 

The first symptoms of vitamin A deficiency is usually nyctalopia. It will then arise deposition (Bitot spots) on the white part of the eye (sklera) and the cornea can harden and form scar tissue (xeroftalmia), which can lead to blindness who settled.   

Childhood malnutrition (marasmus and kwashiorkor), often accompanied by xeroftalmia; not because of a lack of vitamin A in the diet, but also because of the lack of calories and proteins inhibit the transport of vitamin a. skin and the lining of the lungs, intestine and urinary tract can be hardened. 

Vitamin A deficiency also causes skin inflammation (dermatitis) and increase the chances of getting infected. Some sufferers experience anemia. On the deficiency of vitamin A, vitamin A levels in the blood decreases to less than 15 micrograms/100 mL (normal levels of 20-50 micrograms/100 mL).

Vitamin A deficiency is treated by administering vitamin A up to 20 times the recommended daily dose for 3 days. Then followed by a grant of as much as 3 times the recommended daily dose for 1 month. 

After that hopefully all symptoms are gone.  Sufferers the symptoms do not disappear within 2 months after treatment, should be evaluated to determine the possibility of malnutrition.

An Excess Of Vitamin A

Excess vitamin A can cause poisoned, whether it occurs at one time allotment (acute poisoning) or in the long term (chronic poisoning). 

Acute Poisoning

Arctic explorers can feel sleepy, became iritabel, headache and vomiting within a few hours after eating polar bear liver or liver seals, which contain lots of vitamin A.  Tablets containing vitamin A as much as 20 times the recommended daily dose, which is used for the prevention of disease and relieve the skin, sometimes causing similar symptoms, even if taken as directed. 

Chronic Poisoning

Chronic poisoning in children and adults is usually a result of ingestion of large doses of vitamin A (10 times the recommended daily dose) for months. Vitamin A toxicity can occur in babies within a few weeks. 

Early symptoms of chronic poisoning are:

1.    Sparse and coarse hair

2.    Loss of eyelashes

3.    Chapped lips

4.    Dry and rough skin 

Headache, increased pressure in the brain and general weakness occur later. Pain in bones and joints are common, especially in children. Bones can be broken, especially in the elderly. The liver and spleen may be enlarged. Children can lose their appetite and do not grow and develop normally.   

Babies born from mothers who consume isotretinoin (vitamin A which is used to treat a skin disorder) during pregnancy can have birth defects.   Vitamin A poisoning diagnosis enforced based on symptoms and the high levels of vitamin A in the blood. Symptoms will disappear within 4 weeks after any additional vitamin A consumption. 

Beta-carotene is contained in vegetables such as carrots, modified slowly by the body into vitamin A and can be consumed in large quantities without causing toxicity. Although the skin will turn dark yellow (karotenosis), especially the skin on the palms and soles of the feet, but did not cause any side effects.

The Food Devastating Bone

Bone is the basic shape of the body so that his health should be specifically noted. One is to avoid the 5 foods and drinks that can threaten the health of bones. The food or nutrients consumed could be positive and negative for bone health, such as calcium which is good for bone health. But some other nutrients can actually lead to weakened bones that threaten health. There are 5 foods and beverage intake should be reduced in order to stay healthy bones, as quoted from Lifemojo, namely :

1. Carbonated beverages (soft drinks) 
     Most sodas contain phosphoric acid which can increase the rate of excretion of calcium through the urine. Besides these drinks also often favored over other drinks that are healthier, thereby reducing the overall intake of Calcium.

2. Salt 
   Consumption of excess salt or sodium levels can cause a specific loss of calcium that the bones will weaken over time. The experts said that a person will lose 40 mg of calcium in the urine every intake of 2,300 mg of sodium. In addition to table salt, salt is also often found in almost all processed foods such as breakfast cereals and fast food. Eating foods rich in potassium can help reduce the loss of calcium in the body and helps balance sodium levels in the blood. Potassium-rich foods such as sweet potatoes, bananas, tomatoes and spinach.

3. Caffeine 
    Caffeine is not only found in coffee, but also in energy drinks. Too much caffeine can threaten bone health. To overcome this try to limit the intake of coffee, tea choose because there are compounds in plants may protect bone as well as the possibility of adding milk to coffee to reduce the effects of bone weakening.

4. Alcohol 
    Studies show excessive alcohol consumption can affect bone health and increase the risk of osteoporosis. This is because the consumption of alcohol can interfere with the absorption of calcium as well as pancreatic and vitamin D. In addition, alcohol also affects the function of osteoblasts (bone forming cells) and reduced estrogen slows bone remodeling make.

5. Hydrogenated oil 
    Studies show vitamin C will be destroyed when liquid vegetable oils are converted into solid form through the process of hydrogenation (saturating). Though vitamin K is needed for strong bones and calcium absorption. For that try to replace it with canola oil and olive oil.

Don't Forget Your Joints

Keep the bones remain strong surely something a very good thing. However, don't forget the joints. But as we know, the joints are a very important part that allows our body can move freely. Joints have an important role in the human body, that is, to move the body. But with our lifestyle is very active, often times we are experiencing injuries in joints and joint pain. Therefore, the knee injury you may slip and fall. As you get older, you may be suffering from joint pain due to arthritis in which the joints become stiff; or osteoarthritis, the cartilage in the joints when thinning and damaged.

For that round off the activities above by consuming HDI Dynamic Trio and Glucosamine Sulphate Glucosamine in HDI Dynamic Trio and Glucosamine Sulphate is an amino sugar produced by the body, a shaper of carbohydrates found in connective tissue. Research has proven that taking glucosamine can help maintain the suppleness of joints, repair damaged cartilage and reduce pain. HDI Dynamic Trio and Glucosamine Sulphate is a supplement containing glucosamine sulphate, chondroitin and MSM (Methyl Sulfonyl Methane), all the ingredients are known which worked in addressing the problem of joints. This product helps eliminate joint pain and improving joint movement.

Research has proven that glucosamine sulphate, chondroitin and MSM may reduce joint pain by up to 39% and improves mobility of joints up to 27% after use for 12 weeks. A study has also been proven that glucosamine sulphate may help overcome the symptoms like pain and stiffness in the joints. Helps the body form a connective tissue also helps in the formation of tendons, ligaments, cartilage and synovial (joint) fluid. Glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate is absorbed through the digestive tract and help improve both the formation of connective tissue in the cartilage. It also helps improve the ability of cartilage to repair and regenerate cartilage by increasing the ability to overcome the pressure.

Glucosamine sulphate is the amino sakarida that serves as a substrate for biosintesa chains glikosaminoglikan, and for the formation of cartilage and agrekan. Some research suggests that the effectiveness of glucosamine sulphate is the same as ibuprofen (anti-inflammation are used to relieve pain, fatigue, inflammation, and stiffness caused by arthritis and gout-uric acid) in relieving the symptoms of osteoarthritis.

Reference : http://manfaatmadupropolis.com/makanan-musuhnya-tulang/

Vitamin D - Nutrient

source : http://hepcsupport.org

There have been various understandings of vitamin D - Nutrient. Some people say that it is a medical treatment administered in the form of a dose because our bodies may not obtain it through food. Others believe that it is a hormone that is made in the body while others say it is an important nutrient. All these are true depending on how one takes it. However it is crucial for us to understand that vitamin D - Nutrient can be made in our own skins when we expose it to sunlight.

Vitamin D Sources

Vitamin D - Nutrient is a hormone and a nutrient. The food sources that are rich in Vitamin D include the fortified food and Vitamin supplements. The best sources of vitamin D include the cereals and dairy products which are fortified with this nutrient. Salmon, Tuna and other fatty fishes are also a rich source of vitamin D. Taking vitamin D supplement is considered by most people as the most effective way of getting this nutrient. There are two forms of vitamin D used in the supplement i.e. Vitamin D2 also known as ergocalciferol and Vitamin D3. Vitamin D can also be obtained from the sun through our skins but application of sunscreen reduces the ability of our skins to absorb it by 90%.

Risks that one may encounter under low vitamin D

Vitamin D - Nutrient aids the body in retaining phosphorus and calcium which are both crucial in the bone formation process. Various researches have shown that vitamin D reduces the rate at which the body can get infections and the growth of cell cancer.

Role of Vitamin D in the bone formation process

In case one is deficient in Vi0tamin D then they are likely to experience malformation and softening of bones a condition known as osteomalacia in adults or rickets in children. It does this by increasing the body's ability to absorb calcium from the food that you eat and also reducing the calcium lost through excretion in urine.

Role of vitamin D in the blood sugar control and immunity control

Various researchers have revealed that people with low vitamin D has conditions of high blood sugars or diabetes. Bringing the levels of vitamin D up has helped in normalizing this situation. Furthermore this nutrient helps white blood cells to mature. White blood cells act as guards in the body against any type of infection. This therefore helps boost the immunity of the body.

Vitamin D and Heart Disease Control

The heart is a large muscle and has receptors for vitamin D. It helps in controlling the blood pressure and prevents the arteries from getting damaged. This shows why some people having low levels of Vitamin D are subjected to conditions such as heart disease, cardiovascular disease and even stroke.

Reference : http//:www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/vitaminD

Conclusion

Vitamin D - Nutrient is thus a very crucial nutrient in the proper growth and functioning of the body. This therefore calls for everyone to strive in all means possible to ensure that their bodies get a continuous supply of Vitamin D no matter the age or gender you are in. In case the sun does not provide you with the sufficient Vitamin D then try other food sources of Vitamin D.