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Vitamin D levels in Hispanics with multiple sclerosis
Lilyana Amezcua1, Rachel H Chung, David V Conti
1Department of Neurology, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California (USC), Los Angeles, CA, USA. lamezcua@usc.edu
Journal of Neurology
|May 17, 2012
Summary
Hispanics with multiple sclerosis (MS) have significantly lower vitamin D levels than whites. This vitamin D insufficiency in Hispanics with MS was not linked to season or disability, suggesting ethnic variations in MS vitamin D needs.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Endocrinology
- Nutritional Science
Background:
- Vitamin D is linked to multiple sclerosis (MS) and disease markers in white populations.
- Limited data exists on vitamin D's role in MS among ethnic minority groups, specifically Hispanics.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] levels in Hispanic and white individuals with MS.
- To investigate if season or increasing disability influences vitamin D levels in Hispanic individuals with MS.
Main Methods:
- Cross-sectional study comparing serum 25(OH)D levels and clinical data.
- Sample included 80 Hispanics with MS and 80 whites with MS from the University of Southern California.
Main Results:
- Hispanics with MS had significantly lower mean 25(OH)D levels (25.1 ng/ml) compared to whites with MS (37.3 ng/ml).
- Hispanics were more likely to be vitamin D insufficient (70%) and deficient (40%) than whites (41% and 14%, respectively).
- In Hispanics, 25(OH)D levels were not associated with season or higher physical disability (EDSS ≥ 6).
Conclusions:
- The relationship between vitamin D and MS appears to differ by ethnicity.
- Hypovitaminosis D is more prevalent in Hispanics with MS, with most experiencing insufficiency.
- Factors influencing vitamin D levels or requirements may vary ethnically in MS patients, warranting further multi-ethnic research.
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