New research shows the effect of vitamin D on the genome is widespread and localises to genes and areas of the genome associated with increased susceptibility to MS and other autoimmune diseases. This paper is very important in that it provides a clue to why the effects of vitamin D are so widespread and potentially why vitamin D deficiency is associated with so many different diseases.
Please see the following press releases on the significance of this work:
1. The Guardian
2. The Metro
Still only seems to be part of the story – twins would have the same Vit D exposure during the pregnancy and probably as children (if living in the same area), yet they don't necessarily both develop MS. There's also the issue of the gender difference. And don't forget poor old EBV. Maybe if an individual had the required Vit D level when they were in the womb / during childhood, this might have an positive effect when they contract EBV i.e they don't get IM. We need 20 of the experts in this area to get round a table for a week and come up with a regime to address the issue of Vit D deficiency i.e. recommend that expectant mums take X,XXX units a day, young children take X,XXX units a day, people with MS take X,XXX units a day. It's time to take a punt on this, given the potential benfits, rather than spending another 20 years researching the optimal Vit D supplementation level. And the DMDs have an effect on MS activity (and more potent therapies have a greater effect) yet don't appear to impact on an individual's Vit D level!