MS in the Media - 27 September 2019
21 - 27 September 2019
These are links to news stories about multiple sclerosis from the last week that may be of interest to people affected by MS in the UK. The link beneath each item will take you to the original story.
Please note that the MS Trust did not write the original items and does not endorse their content nor any claims made in them.
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Should vitamin D supplements be recommended for MS?
Whether people with MS should take vitamin D supplements or not was the topic of a debate at the recent ECTRIMS conference. The Yes argument centred on reduced risk of developing MS in people with higher vitamin D levels. Use in people who have MS is harder to judge. The No argument said that low vitamin D may be caused by MS rather than the other way round and that UV light exposure may be more important. Both sides agree there is not enough good research yet to be sure.
Source: MS News Today
MS Trust link: Vitamin D
More MS genes discovered
The latest report by the International MS Genetics Consortium has identified 233 genes variations that add to the risk of developing MS. The affected genes are in areas associated with immune function. There is also a genetic variant on chromosome X, which may be linked to why women are more likely to get MS than men
Source: National MS Society (USA)
MS Trust link: Causes of MS
Beta interferon and pregnancy
The EMA (European Medicines Agency) is considering a recommendation to allow the use of interferon beta 1a (Avonex, Plegridy and Rebif) during the early stages of pregnancy and breastfeeding, Data showed no increase in danger to the baby of women taking the drug at time of conception or in the first trimester.
Source: Biogen press release
Source: Merck press release
MS Trust link: New guidelines for pregnancy in multiple sclerosis


The ADAMS project
25/05/2022 - 00:00
Dr Benjamin Jacobs spoke to us about a new study on the genetics of MS in people from minority ethnic backgrounds which may eventually shed light on why MS can be more severe for Black and Asian people.


Roxy's journey to diagnosis
16/05/2022 - 00:00
Roxy talks about her MS journey and the importance of sharing her own experiences to ensure that others don’t face the same challenges when receiving a diagnosis.


Lis' MS journey: one woman and her bike
04/05/2022 - 00:00
In May 2022, Lis will be heading off on her 5,000 mile cycling challenge. She shares how the idea came about and discusses why the support of the MS Trust was invaluable following a multiple sclerosis diagnosis.

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