MS linked to vitamin D deficiency
A significant number of children diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS) have low levels of vitamin D, say two teams of Canadian researchers, widening the links identified by previous studies between deficiencies of the so-called sunshine vitamin and diseases such as breast and colon cancer, heart troubles, diabetes and tuberculosis. In both Toronto-based studies, about 68 per cent of children diagnosed with MS, a severe disease of the nervous system, had low levels of vitamin D, which is made when the skin is exposed to sunlight. Canadians have one of the highest rates of MS in the world, Reuters reports.
Red wine aids longevity
Resveratrol, a compound in red wine that has been linked to longevity, has shown potential in preliminary studies of mice with a degenerative disease similar to multiple sclerosis. University of Utah researchers say the mice gained weight during the first two weeks of treatment, but not after. Weight loss is often associated with neurological diseases. Meanwhile, Italian researchers have had some preliminary positive results in human trials of a new drug that stops the immune system attacking nerve cells. High doses effectively reduced the incidence of brain lesions and other problems associated with MS.
Damage limitation
Duke University researchers, partly funded by cosmetics firm SkinCeuticals-L'Oreal, say they've devised a cream containing vitamins C and E and ferulic acid that protects the skin from sun damage and reduces cancer-associated mutations in cells. They say the cream would supplement sunscreens. The team previously found that C and E were each effective in boosting antioxidant protection, but even more effective when used together. Ferulic acid, a plant antioxidant, further enhances the effectiveness, Reuters reports.