MENZIES STUDY IN OZ.

[Udkas]

Hi Guys,
they have always thought that Vitamin D or should I say the lack of it play a part in MS, they have now proven that people who spend more time in the sunshine have less exacerbations.

The Menzies Research centre have conducted current research into the role of UV radiation and vitamin D in MS, explaining that there is evidence at an ecological level that vitamin D may be important in preventing relapses and onset of MS.

Neurologists have thought this for a while but from what I can gather the latest research proves or backs up what they thought. They are saying that if you have MS you should get your vitamin D levels checked on a regular basis and if they are not at the right level you need to be taking vitamin D, but of cause Vit D can be bad for you too if you don't need it.

This also might explain why MS is more prevalent in countries further away from the equator, hence being colder so we spend more time indoors.  I know this is not new news as such, but it should just remind everyone to keep an eye on their Vitamin D levels and get their Dr or Neurologist to check them all the time.

CHeers,
Udkas.

[essdipity]

I know OZ is considered the sunniest land to live in, and that skin cancer runs very high there, the highest in the world, I think. The,re are loads of public service announcements about skin protection, from what I've heard. (Never been there--love to.)

So it's hard there, and in the US, too, to balance out the good parts of sumshine with the bad. I guess lotion-makers get rich over this.

The Johns Hopkins MS Center, where I am treated, takes vitamin D levels very seriously. Their policy is that D levels should be in the 50s. Mine is not quite there, and I take about 2500 units a day, in addition to being out everyday walking my dog for 15 or 20 minutes.

Some people here with very low D are taking huge amounts of the vitamin, but this should be done only as directed by their doctors.

I don't know the actual evidence about D in terms of MS, so I'm just taking their word for it that it's necessary. I do know that there's been a lot of media talk about D for everyone, with some sources saying people needing much more than the 400 units usually provided in vitamin pills. There's been a backlash to that, however, so it seems it's up to individuals and their doctors.

For MS, though, more is better, with doctor monitoring.

ess

[Udkas]

Do you think I could convince my husband that I need to leave work to pursue playing with my dogs and horses outside whilst enjoying some sunshine and a holiday once a year on a tropical Island all the benefit of my health.

I could try, but considering I don't have MS I don't think it would work!!!

[Udkas]

Hi Laura,
It has been the same here, we all slip, slop, slap and put on a hat and I think that is very important to remember that the UV rays can cause skin cancer too.  I think they key is to get some outside exposure to early morning sun etc. and get our vitamin D levels checked and if they are low take supplements.
The Professor who is a well known neurologist who specialises in research etc. was on talk back radio on my way home from work, unfortunately because I was driving I was unable to get the levels of vit d that was acceptable. From what they were saying this was the first trial/study of it's type carried out and the results were amazing.  I think if you Googled Dr Bruce Taylor, neurologist or Menzies Research Centre you might even get some of the findings or hear a podcast of the talk etc.  Just thought it might interest someone.  
Hope all is well.

[Lulu54]

We've been lectured here in the states for so many years to cover our skin with products or clothing to keep the harmful effect of sun off of us.  It doesn't take much sun - 15-30 minutes a day - to get this extra D.  And it doesn't have to be at one time.

Next time we can take a short walk, be sure to turn your face to the sun and soak up the rays.