Iron Intake Could Contribute to Pediatric Multiple Sclerosis

Dr. Julia Pakpoor explains that iron has been of interest to MS researchers for a long time, but never in a dietary sense. This study is the first to look at these factors in terms of diet and intake. Additionally, this is the first study to consider these factors specifically in pediatric MS patients.

Researchers believe that insufficient iron intake could increase the risk of multiple sclerosis due to iron's effects on the immune system. In basic terms, the body has to produce more lymphocytes (white blood cells) to regulate extra iron intake. These cells also produce hepcidin, which further enables the white blood cells to multiply. The more white blood cells a patient has, the stronger their immune system will be.