Mono, MS, and Vitamin D Connection

Research over the past decade has resulted in defining the connection between the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) and multiple sclerosis (MS). Although some researchers today still contend there is no link between the two, ongoing research continues to explore the association with results indicating that along with other factors, EBV is a contributor to MS.

What is EBV?

The Epstein-Barr virus is one of the most prevalent viruses known to man, affecting 95% of people world-wide. Although it does not always manifest in serious illnesses, it does cause mononucleosis in many people - primarily teens and young adults. After infection, the virus remains dormant in the body, residing in certain immune-system cells. It can show up in later life connected to autoimmune diseases such as lupus, fibromyalgia, and chronic fatigue syndrome.

What is MS?

Multiple sclerosis is an autoimmune disease that is characterized by the loss of the myelin sheath that insulates cells in the central nervous system. When this insulation is lost, the nerves are exposed causing disorder in the nerve signal transmissions leading to neurological and muscular symptoms. The exact cause of MS is not known, but both genetic and environmental factors are implicated. Studies of MS have shown that people who live in regions where sunlight is not readily available all year long - such as in Northern Europe and the Northern US and Canada - are significantly more susceptible to the disease. 

How is Vitamin D Used in the Body?

Vitamin D, also known as the sunshine vitamin, is necessary for a number of functions in the body, including the absorption of calcium. Calcium and phosphate are two minerals that are essential for normal bone formation. Bone production is profoundly affected if a person does not have enough calcium absorbed into the body, especially as a child. A vitamin D deficiency can lead to osteoporosis in adults and rickets in children.

How to Get Adequate Amounts of Vitamin D

There are several sources for vitamin D, the most common being the sun (hence the name "sunshine vitamin"). Skin must be directly exposed to the sun in order for the body to produce vitamin D. Very few foods contain adequate amounts of vitamin D, which is why supplementation is often necessary. Vitamin D is found in the following foods:

· Dairy products such as cheese, butter, cream and fortified milk

· Fatty fish such as tuna, salmon, and mackerel

· Oysters

· Fortified breakfast cereals, margarine, and soy milk

What's the Connection?

Connecting the dots comes in the form of research completed in April of 2011 that showed the combination of EBV and little sun exposure may combine to increase an individual's risk for developing multiple sclerosis. In a study, lead by Dr. George C. Ebers of the University of Oxford in England, researchers examined the records of admissions into hospital of England's National Health Service over a seven year period. More than 56,600 cases of MS and in excess of 14,600 cases of infectious mononucleosis were focused on. The information also included NASA statistics regarding levels of UV light in England in order to establish a possible connection with vitamin D deficiency.

It was found that the differences in UV intensity seemed to explain 61 percent of the geographical differences in how often MS occurs in the population. When UV intensity was combined with mononucleosis rates, the variations across the country rose to 72 percent. The researchers were careful to state that "causative inferences must be tentative" since the results do not prove that low sunlight, vitamin D deficiency or EBV can cause MS.

A Definite Maybe

Dr. Ebers made a statement that was published in the American Academy of Neurology regarding the purpose of the research. "Since the disease has been linked to environmental factors such as low levels of sun exposure and a history of infectious mononucleosis, we wanted to see whether the two together would help explain the variance in the disease across the United Kingdom."

From the data and research, it does appear that there is a variance that indicates a connection between vitamin D deficiency, EBV and the occurrence of MS.