The link between multiple sclerosis and season of birth

A new discovery by British scientists shows that the risk of developing multiple sclerosis may be linked to each person's birth month.

The results of a study posted on ctvnews.ca on April 9 said that people with the highest risk of multiple sclerosis are often born in May, while those with the lowest risk are born in November.

Research by experts from the University of London and Oxford University was conducted based on examining the development of the immune system and vitamin D levels in the bodies of infants.

Experts took blood samples from the umbilical cords of 50 babies born in May and another 50 babies born in November of 2009 and 2010.

Results showed that 20% of children born in May had much lower vitamin D levels in their bodies than those born in November.

The study also found that in the bodies of babies born in May, there was a more than double rate of autoreactive T-cells, which can attack other cells in the body and cause autoimmune diseases.

Dr Sreeram Ramagopalan, co-author of the study, said the study was conducted by looking at the development of the immune system in the womb, thereby finding a completely grounded explanation for the time of birth being closely related to multiple sclerosis.

Higher levels of T cells may explain why babies born in May are at increased risk of developing multiple sclerosis.

Dr. Ramagopalan added that it is necessary for pregnant women to supplement their vitamin D intake regularly.

Multiple sclerosis is a disease that can affect the brain and spine and symptoms include loss of balance, loss of function, fatigue and even paralysis.

The disease usually develops in people between the ages of 15 and 40, but it can sometimes affect children as well./.

According to (TTXVN) - VT