DIET AND THE GEOGRAPHICAL DISTRIBUTION OF MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS

Data are presented to suggest that a geographical predisposing factor (G.P.F.) in multiple sclerosis (M.S.) may reflect regional dietary differences, and, further, that this factor is directly related to milk production or consumption. A number of biochemical hypotheses are proposed which would predict a resultant weakened blood-brain barrier or immunological defence, or the production of defective myelin, which would then increase susceptibility to the aetiological agent, possibly a virus. From the standpoint of brain development, two different ideas emerge--one, that differences in the composition of bovine and human milk, particularly during weaning, lead to the G.P.F.; the other, that drinking of milk beyond the normal nursing period is detrimental. More epidemiological studies are needed, with emphasis on diet, especially during periods of rapid brain development. Cow's milk may be an unfortunate substitute for human milk in infancy or a risky food source thereafter, or both. Epidemiological data raise these questions but do not provide ready answers. The milk correlation could be spurious, but at least ideas based on such a correlation pay attention to the most important epidemiological clue in M.S.--namely, the geographical distribution of the disease.Peer Reviewedhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/22234/1/0000668.pd

Vital statistics of the United States.

Imprint varies: Washington, D.C., 1937-19; Hyattsville, Md., -1993.Issued in 2 vols.: Vol. 1. Natality; v. 2. Mortality.Supplement for 1955, published 1965, issued by the National Center for Health Statistics, Division of Vital Statistics.Mode of access: Internet.Vols. for 1937-1944 issued by: U.S. Bureau of the Census, Vital Statistics Division; 1945-1959 by: National Office of Vital Statistics; 1959-1962 by: National Center for Health Statistics, National Vital Statistics Division; 1963-1993 by: National Center for Health Statistics, Division of VitalStatistics.Continued by the CD-ROM and online versions.Continues in part: United States. Bureau of the Census. Birth, stillbirth, and infant mortality statistics for the continental United States, the territory of Hawaii, the Virgin Islands; and: Mortality statistics.Section 6, Lifetables issued separately in: Vital statistics of the United States, volume 2, section 5; and: Vital statistics of the United States, volume 2, section 6