Multiple sclerosis: vitamin D and calcium as environmental determinants of prevalence
- 1 January 1974
- journal article
- research article
- Published by Taylor & Francis in International Journal of Environmental Studies
- Vol. 6 (2-3) , 121-129
- https://doi.org/10.1080/00207237408709641
Abstract
According to the vitamin D hypothesis, demyelination in multiple sclerosis results from a breakdown of myelin due to abnormal lipid composition and structure, produced during the period of brain development. The observed abnormalities (altered lipid concentrations and fatty acid profiles) are viewed as a consequence of deficiencies in enzymes that govern myelin lipid synthesis and membrane assembly. The enzyme deficiencies, genetic in origin, are proposed to occur because of inadequate supplies of vitamin D and calcium at times of rapid myelination and growth, mainly in adolescence. If the theory proves to be correct, it may be possible to suppress the disease by dietary supplementation with vitamin D and calcium during puberty.Keywords
This publication has 38 references indexed in Scilit:
- GENETICAL FACTORS IN THE AETIOLOGY OF MULTIPLE SCLEROSISActa Neurologica Scandinavica, 2009
- Multiple sclerosis among American, Japanese and Chinese migrants to California and WashingtonJournal of Chronic Diseases, 1972
- Vitamin D3 induced alteration of microvillar membrane lipid compositionBiochemical and Biophysical Research Communications, 1972
- Aetiology of Multiple SclerosisNature, 1967
- Structure of the myelin sheath as a function of concentration of ionsBiochimica et Biophysica Acta (BBA) - Biophysics including Photosynthesis, 1965
- Myelin breakdown in vitroBiochimica et Biophysica Acta (BBA) - Biophysics including Photosynthesis, 1965
- Membrane model: Association of inorganic cations with phospholipid monolayersBiochimica et Biophysica Acta (BBA) - Biophysics including Photosynthesis, 1965
- Metabolism of phospholipids VI. The effect of metal ions on the incorporation ofl-serine into phosphatidylserineBiochimica et Biophysica Acta, 1962
- THE CEREBRAL LIPIDS IN DISSEMINATED SCLEROSIS AND IN AMAUROTIC FAMILY IDIOCYBrain, 1953
- The effect of vitamin D on linear growth in infancy: II. The effect of intakes above 1,800 U.S.P. units dailyThe Journal of Pediatrics, 1938