Link between Multiple Sclerosis, vitamin D to be trialled
Posted: Thu Jul 05, 2012 2:11 am
A world-first clinical trial to determine the role vitamin D plays in preventing multiple sclerosis (MS) is about to get underway in Perth.
The four-year trial is being spearheaded by prominent local neurologist and 2012 Western Australian of the Year in the field of business and professions, Bill Carroll, from Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital.
The Multiple Sclerosis Society of Western Australia (MSWA), which is contributing almost $1.1 million to the $2.5 million trial, said 290 patients from Australia and New Zealand who had experienced their first episode of MS symptoms would be recruited for the study.
Professor Carroll said about 80 per cent of people who experienced a first attack of MS-like symptoms would go on to experience a second episode or show further disease activity.
"In this prevention trial we'll be giving patients three different levels of vitamin D while others will be given a placebo," Prof Carroll said.... Read More - http://www.msrc.co.uk/index.cfm/fuseact ... ageid/1334