Is Multiple Sclerosis (M.S.) a vitamin D deficiency? If you have known anyone to suffer from M.S, the disease is debilitating, with muscular weakness, and then the loss of body control and function. Wikipedia describes the disease as follows: “Multiple sclerosis (MS), also known as disseminated sclerosis or encephalomyelitis disseminata, is a demyelinating disease in which the insulating covers of nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord are damaged. This damage disrupts the ability of parts of the nervous system to communicate, resulting in a wide range of signs and symptoms,[1][2] including physical, mental,[2] and sometimes psychiatric problems.[3] MS takes several forms, with new symptoms either occurring in isolated attacks (relapsing forms) or building up over time (progressive forms).[4] Between attacks, symptoms may disappear completely; however, permanent neurological problems often occur, especially as the disease advances.[4] While the cause is not clear, the underlying mechanism is thought to be either destruction by the immune system or failure of the myelin-producing cells.[5] Proposed causes for this include genetics and environmental factors such as infections.[2][6] MS is usually diagnosed based on the presenting signs and symptoms and the results of supporting medical tests.” Read more here. Recent research is now suggesting that the disease may be improved by Vitamin D, which can over time repair the nerve damage caused by the disease. Is it possible that M.S. is really a problem with being deficient in Vitamin D? Check out this article on the latest research on the disease Vitamin D could repair nerve damage in multiple sclerosis, study suggests – See more at: http://www.cam.ac.uk/research/news/vitamin-d-could-repair-nerve-damage-in-multiple-sclerosis-study-suggests#sthash.3FewkAZ5.dpuf A protein activated by vitamin D could be involved in repairing damage to myelin in people with multiple sclerosis (MS), according to new research from the University of Cambridge. The study, published today in the Journal of Cell Biology, offers significant evidence that vitamin D could be a possible treatment for MS in the future. Researchers, from the MS Society Cambridge Centre for Myelin Repair, identified that the “vitamin D receptor”™ protein pairs with an existing protein, called the RXR gamma receptor, already known to be involved in the repair of myelin, the protective sheath surrounding nerve fibres. By adding vitamin D to brain stem cells where the proteins were present, they found the production rate of oligodendrocytes (myelin making cells) increased by 80%. When they blocked the vitamin D receptor to stop it from working, the RXR gamma protein alone was unable to stimulate the production of oligodendrocytes. Read more