High prevalence of vitamin D deficiency across the board in neuromuscular disease

October 31, 2014

Source: American Association of Neuromuscular and 

Electrodiagnostic Medicine (AANEM)

More credence has been added to a growing awareness of 

the high prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in neuromuscular disease by newly presented research. Vitamin D supplementation has been suggested to improve function in frail elderly patients at risk for falls, as well as individuals with myasthenia gravis and Parkinson's.


The impact of vitamin D deficiency and supplementation on function in other neurologic conditions has yet to be explored.

A study presented at the annual meeting of the American 

Association of Neuromuscular & Electrodiagnostic Medicine 

(AANEM) adds more credence to a growing awareness of the 

high prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in neuromuscular 

disease.

"Previous work has shown vitamin D deficiency to be quite 

common in other neurological disorders such as multiple 

sclerosis, myasthenia gravis, and Parkinson's disease. This 

study suggests this concern may be more prevalent in other 

neuromuscular conditions as well," said Ileana Howard, MD,

 AANEM News Science Editorial Board member.

Vitamin D supplementation has been suggested to improve 

function in frail elderly patients at risk for falls, as well as

 individuals with myasthenia gravis and Parkinson's. The

 impact of vitamin D deficiency and supplementation on 

function in other neurologic conditions has yet to be explored.

"While the connection between vitamin D deficiency and 

neurologic disease is likely complex and not yet fully understood,

this study may prompt physicians to consider checking vitamin D

levels in their patients with neurologic conditions and supplementing 

when necessary," said Dr. Howard.

Story Source:

The above story is based on materials provided by American Association of Neuromuscular and Electrodiagnostic Medicine (AANEM). Note: Materials may be edited for content and length