Multiple Sclerosis: May Babies Are More at Risk
Multiple sclerosis: being born in May may be a disadvantage
Until now, the month your child is born may have interested you mainly for knowing their zodiac sign in advance. Now, you have another reason to pay attention to this detail.
Low vitamin D levels
A study by the University of London in association with Oxford University analyzed the relationship between birth month, vitamin D levels, and the development of the immune system in newborns, discovering that birth month can influence the likelihood of developing multiple sclerosis.
The importance of vitamin D during pregnancy
The study, led by Dr. Ramagopalan, focused on explaining the so-called "month effect" in multiple sclerosis. Researchers examined the relationship between vitamin D levels in pregnant women, levels of auto-reactive T cells in newborns, and the propensity to develop autoimmune diseases such as multiple sclerosis.
Vitamin D and auto-reactive T cells
Vitamin D plays a fundamental role in the development of the newborn's immune system, in addition to aiding bone calcification and development. T lymphocytes are essential for immune responses against certain viruses. Some are auto-reactive, capable of attacking the body itself. During immune system maturation, these "abnormal" T lymphocytes should be eliminated.
The study
Samples of umbilical cord blood from 100 newborns were analyzed: 50 born in November and 50 born in May. Newborns born in May had vitamin D levels 20% lower than those born in November and almost twice as many potentially harmful auto-reactive T lymphocytes.
This demonstrates that birth month impacts the maturation of the newborn's immune system, offering for the first time a potential biological explanation for the known "birth month effect" in multiple sclerosis cases.
Researchers highlighted the importance of adequate vitamin D supplementation for mothers. While most pregnant women take multivitamin and multimineral supplements, this study shows that vitamin D3 doses may not be sufficient. Although supplementation is always recommended for all expectant mothers, those pregnant during winter months should consider it essential.
Disanto, G; Watson T.C.; Giovannoni, G; V. Ramagopalan et al. Month of Birth and Thymic Output JAMA Neurol. 2013;70(4):527-528. doi:10.1001/jamaneurol.2013.2116. http://archneur.jamanetwork.com/article.aspx?articleid=1676651
