National Myasthenia Gravis Awareness Month
June 25, 2012
June is National Myasthenia Gravis Awareness Month, sponsored by the Myasthenia Gravis Foundation of America, a nonprofit founded in 1952, created to facilitate timely diagnosis and support patients with this rare disease.
Myasthenia Gravis
Myasthenia is a rare autoimmune neuromuscular disease, often presenting with weakness of the skeletal muscles. Patients experience symptoms such as difficulty breathing, talking, chewing and swallowing. They may also experience facial paralysis, double vision, eye drooping and overall fatigue. Myasthenia gravis is a relatively rare disorder most commonly diagnosed in young women and older men, affecting roughly 70,000 Americans today. Because of its rarity, patients are often misdiagnosed, and if left untreated the disease could be life threatening.
Myasthenia Gravis and Vitamin D
A group of researchers in Sweden have recently found that vitamin D may help myasthenia gravis patients. In this study, the investigators recruited 33 myasthenia gravis patients to participate. They found that after supplementing a sample of the patients with 800 IU/day, patients reported less fatigue. To learn more about the study, click here: Can vitamin D help myasthenia gravis patients?
How you can help
The Myasthenia Gravis Foundation of America has practicing chapters all around the country. During the month of June there are increased MG support meetings, as well as multiple myasthenia gravis walks to fundraise research for the disease. To learn more about the disease and how you can help, visit the Myasthenia Foundation of America website.
Can vitamin D help myasthenia gravis patients?
June 25, 2012 -- Brant Cebulla
A group of researchers in Sweden found that vitamin D may help with muscle fatigue in patients with myasthenia gravis, the most significant symptom of the autoimmune disorder. Continue reading → (membership required)
Pregnancy complication linked to D deficiency
June 20, 2012 -- John Cannell, MD
A Spanish study examined the association between vitamin D levels in pregnant women and pregnancy complications. Continue reading → (membership required)
Study: Stroke risk and dietary vitamin D
June 21, 2012 -- John Cannell, MD
Dr Cannell discusses details of a study we saw in the news lately looking at stroke risk and dietary vitamin D in 7,385 Japanese-American men. Continue reading → (membership required)
Professor Walter E. Stumpf: Ahead of his time
June 24, 2012 -- John Cannell, MD
Dr Cannell summarizes the years of remarkable vitamin D research professor Stumpf has accomplished, laying the foundation for the vitamin D era. Continue reading → (no membership required)
Study: Stroke risk and dietary vitamin D
June 21, 2012 -- John Cannell, MD
Dr Cannell reviews past research by Professors Wagner, Hollis and colleagues examining vitamin D levels in breastfeeding mothers and infants when supplemented with 300 IU/day of vitamin D vs 6,000 IU/day. Take a look at the results and the implications for this study. Continue reading → (no membership required)
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