Originally Posted by Bearygood

Kristi, I'm quite surprised you were prescribed D2 as opposed to D3 (aka Cholecalciferol). D3 is the equivalent to the "sunshine" factor and is processed in the body as a hormone -- it's specifically that form that's been the hot topic.

I started reading a lot about D3 after I was dxed and have been taking a little over 3,000 IUs daily for at least 9 months. (I ADD UP the D in my calcium and mult-vitamin and then supplement with two 1,000 capsules made by Jarrow.) Vitamin D can build up in the body and can be toxic so your levels should be monitored, as well as your liver function. I don't know if my levels were low before I started supplementing but my endocrinologist tested me a few months ago and even with the amount I'm taking, I was still within normal range (and my liver function was fine). However, I will continue to be monitored, having these tests repeated in future blood work. My endo explained to me that for some reason, they're finding that those high 50,000 IU doses weekly do not seem to present the same problems as high doses building up over time.

The RDA UL for "healthy" people has been raised to 600 IUs. There have been several studies about vitamin D (D3 specifically) possibly being helpful with various neurological disorders, not only MS (and not only in terms of prevention). I know many people with MS in the U.S. whose doctors have been recommending (if not prescribing) vitamin D3 to their patients even if their levels are not low. Most of the things I've read about using this supplement like a "drug" recommend up to 4,000 IUs daily but to reduce intake in the summer or if you live in a sunny climate year round. Again, do be careful though -- do your own research, speak to your doctors and if you DO take it, have your D levels and liver function tested periodically.

Originally Posted by jackD

Numerous neurotrophic growth factors help determine which neurons develop in the immature brain and which are retained in the adult brain.

Neurotrophic factors can also induce neurons to sprout axons capable of growing into new locations and forming new synaptic connections, a process that continues in the mature brain.

NGF (Nerve Growth Facto)r is one essential neurotrophic growth factor. The below links describe how calcium is used in this process and how Glutamate toxicity kills neurons using Calcium in the Second stage of MS.


http://www.psychiatrist.com/pcc/brainstorm/br5904.htm (main article)

http://www.psychiatrist.com/pcc/brainstorm/br5906.htm (therapeutic potential)

http://www.psychiatrist.com/pcc/brainstorm/br5806.htm (Glutamate assassin/excitotoxic neuron murder)

The Second Stage of MS is "The Degererative Stage" in which "excess Glutamate" runs wild on a killing spree. First phase, of course, is the "Inflammatory Stage" of MS.

http://home.ix.netcom.com/~jdalton/ms-two-stages.pdf

jackD

Originally Posted by starfish

Hi jackD! You are making want to go to the library and get a biochem book!! I am sure I got rid of my college book when it was 25 years old.

I am concerned that NGF also influences the activity of B and T cells. I would have to understand how a little better.

I did find vitamin D3 at BJs Wholesale Club in 1000 IU capsules. I understand why we may need more.

I very much liked your last link because it had the best graphic explaining the nerve issues with the chemicals and how Copaxone works in certain situations.If anyone has a little knowledge about biochem you really should take a peek.

I don't know how you are finding this material, in its complete form, but I am glad you are sharing it. Its not easy to find more than just an abstract.

I know that our dendrites can grow and elongate,

http://www-als.lbl.gov/als/science/s...9receptor.html

and that is why my neuro told me about Wii actually helping to grow these for folks who can't get enough activity outside of the home.

So to keep this back to Vitamin D, it supports the NGF, if I am interpretting this properly.