January 10, 2013 -- Brant Cebulla
Good news for those at high risk for developing multiple sclerosis! A new study out of Iran reports that vitamin D supplementation can prevent or delay the onset of multiple sclerosis.
Often what is called “clinically isolated syndrome” (CIS) is the first neurological manifestation of multiple sclerosis. A patient will have a neurological symptom for the first time and their doctor will call this CIS. They will then order a brain MRI to check if the patient with CIS also has brain-lesions. If they do, the patient is at high risk of developing MS. In fact, in 90% of MS cases, CIS is the first clinical sign.
So what’s CIS? One of the most common types of CIS is optic neuritis. People with optic neuritis experience vision loss, as the optic nerve from the retina becomes inflamed. Twenty-percent of patients with MS have optic neuritis, and vice-versa, 50% of patients with optic neuritis develop MS within 15 years.
When a patient experiences CIS and other tests determine the patient has a high risk for MS, the patient and doctor want to take immediate action to prevent or delay the onset of MS and disease progression.
In this study, researchers out of Isfahan University of Medical Sciences led by Dr Hajar Derakhshandi wanted to know, if a patient presenting with optic neuritis starts taking vitamin D, will they lower their risk or delay the onset of MS? Continue reading → (no membership required) Effect of supplementation on vitamin D status: Thin and obese women
January 12, 2013 -- John Cannell, MD
Researchers recently conducted a randomized controlled trial examining the differences in serum vitamin D among thin and obese women. Continue reading → (membership required) Is low vitamin D linked to military suicide?
January 10, 2013 -- John Cannell, MD
Researchers from the National Institutes of Health teamed up with military specialists from the Uniformed Services University of Health to produce a landmark study on suicide among active duty military service members. Continue reading → (membership required) Psoriasis: Topical vitamin D improves UV treatment
January 14, 2013 -- John Cannell, MD
Recently, researchers at Harvard discovered that topical application of an activated vitamin D drug increased the effectiveness of UV radiation for patients with psoriasis, a lifelong skin disease. Continue reading → (no membership required)
Senior health: Vitamin D and fall prevention
January 11, 2013 -- John Cannell, MD
Researchers at the University of British Columbia recently did a meta-analysis of falls and vitamin D dosing schedules. They looked at effectiveness of daily dosing versus monthly or quarter year dosing. Continue reading → (no membership required) Tanning, vitamin D status, and colds
January 13, 2013 -- John Cannell, MD
Recently, researchers of Leiden University Medical Center in the Netherlands administered a two month course of sunbed exposure, only to find the effect on infection during that two months was minimal. Dr Cannell explains the details of the study. Continue reading → (membership required) Dear Dr Cannell: Flu season hits early
January 9, 2013 -- John Cannell, MD
Influenza kills about 350,000 people in the world, almost all in the winter. Older adults with chronic illnesses are at the highest risk. Continue reading → (no membership required) Alternative treatments for autism
January 7, 2013 -- John Cannell, MD
Researchers recently published a review discussing complementary and alternative treatments for autism spectrum disorders. Continue reading → (membership required) Which is better to prevent cancer, sunlight or vitamin D?
January 5, 2013 -- John Cannell, MD
Scientists from the Netherlands asked a very important question, is prevention of cancer by sun exposure more than just the effect of vitamin D? Continue reading → (membership required) Do your supplements interact with your prescription medication?
January 6, 2013 -- John Cannell, MD
Have you ever wondered if any of your vitamins or supplements interacts with your prescription medications? Recently, researchers in China teamed up with experts in Illinois to review the entire issue. Continue reading → (no membership required)
Low vitamin D linked to headache
January 10, 2013 -- Vitamin D Council News
Non-migraine headache is associated with vitamin D deficiency, according to researchers in Norway. Continue reading → New Zealand researchers to lead MS, vitamin D trial
January 8, 2013 -- Vitamin D Council News
Researchers in New Zealand are taking part in a large clinical trial investigating whether vitamin D can help prevent multiple sclerosis (MS). Continue reading → Vitamin D may not ease knee osteoarthritis
January 11, 2013 -- Vitamin D Council News
According to a recent US study, taking vitamin D doesn’t keep knee pain from getting worse or slow the loss of cartilage for people with osteoarthritis. Continue reading → Free vitamin D webinar series starts today!
January 15, 2013
Grassroots Health is hosting a free webinar series featuring leading vitamin D scientists answering YOUR questions! Topics include:
"I already take vitamin D in my prenatal... do I need more? How safe is it for pregnancy?"
"What does the sun do for me?"
"How could vitamin D prevent type 1 diabetes?"
Webinars will be held Tuesdays, 10-10:30am PST. Submit your questions online!