Vitamin D boost can reduce the risk of MS

Vitamin D can “dramatically” affect the immune system and could make people less susceptible to diseases such as multiple sclerosis.

Researchers at the University of Edinburgh say their study has shed light on how vitamin D deficiency may influence the risk of autoimmune diseases.

The body produces vitamin D in response to sunlight and the scientists investigated how it affects the immune system. Researchers found vitamin D caused dendritic cells to produce more of a molecule called CD31.

Professor Richard Mellanby said: “Low vitamin D status has long been implicated as a significant risk factor for the development of several autoimmune diseases. Our study reveals vitamin D can dramatically influence the immune system.”