Researchers may have found a link between MS and the incidence of the disease in women. Multiple Sclerosis, which is a disease primarily, affecting the functions of the brain and spinal cord, has managed to remain somewhat of a mystery to researchers. However, a recent discovery showing a potential link between MS and key nutrients may have unlocked a bit more of the mystery.
Multiple Sclerosis is labeled as a chronic inflammatory disease whose victims first experience symptoms between the ages of 20 -40. While MS can attack anyone, women are more likely than men to receive a diagnosis of MS. Some of the early symptoms of MS include blurred vision, lack of coordination, problems thinking, and weakness, tingling, or numbness in the arms or legs. With debilitating symptoms such as these it is easy to understand why this latest discovery has brought more hope to the horizon.
According to researchers there may be link between the number of key nutrients and antioxidants women receive and the incidence of MS. New research shows that women who have been diagnosed with MS have lower levers of essential antioxidants and nutrients such as folate. Women diagnosed with MS where found to have a daily intake of 244 mcg of folate compared to women without a diagnosis of MS who generally had intakes of 321 mcg folate daily. More over women diagnosed with MS received lower levels of vitamin e, magnesium, and lutein, all considered essential nutrients we receive naturally through the foods we eat.
Researchers state the information gained from the latest research is preliminary, but does raise a question about the importance of nutrients and the increased risk of a MS diagnosis.
Resources:
WebMD, (2015), “Multiple Sclerosis” http://www.webmd.com/multiple-sclerosis/guide/multiple-sclerosis-symptoms, retrieved, 21. February 2015
WebMD, (2015), “MS linked to lower levels of key nutrients in women”, http://www.webmd.com/multiple-sclerosis/news/20150220/multiple-sclerosis-linked-to-lower-levels-of-key-nutrients-in-women, retrieved, 21. February 2015
25-Feb-15 2:00 PM