Another Bad Actor In MS
In the past, you’ve heard me speak of calcium being a “bad actor” for MS recoverers. Well, there is another “bad actor” that needs drawing attention to. It happens to be iron. As usual, I’m in favor of limiting its intake. You can do so by cutting back on the amount of red meat that you consume and eliminating dietary supplements that list it as one of the ingredients. This will go a long way in helping you regain good health.
To Your Better Health,
Dr. Rudy Cartwright
MS Health Coach
PS: Post your comments below.
References
1. Handb Clin Neurol. 2011;100:161-72.
Neurodegeneration with brain iron accumulation.
McNeill A, Chinnery PF.
2. Semin Pediatr Neurol. 2006 Sep;13(3):182-5.
Neurodegeneration with brain iron accumulation: from genes to pathogenesis.
Hayflick SJ.
3. Ann N Y Acad Sci. 2004 Mar;1012:252-66.
The role of iron in the pathogenesis of experimental allergic encephalomyelitis and multiple sclerosis.
LeVine SM, Chakrabarty A.
4. BMC Neurosci. 2011 Jun 23;12:60.
Iron deposition and inflammation in multiple sclerosis. Which one comes first?
Zivadinov R, Weinstock-Guttman B, Pirko I.
5. Ann N Y Acad Sci. 2004 Mar;1012:252-66.
The role of iron in the pathogenesis of experimental allergic encephalomyelitis and multiple sclerosis.
LeVine SM, Chakrabarty A.
6. Life Sci. 1998;63(25):2271-84.
Iron deposits in the central nervous system of SJL mice with experimental allergic encephalomyelitis.
Forge JK, Pedchenko TV, LeVine SM.
7. Lancet Neurol. 2003 Apr;2(4):246-53.
Iron misregulation in the brain: a primary cause of neurodegenerative disorders.
Ke Y, Ming Qian Z.
8. Nat Rev Neurosci. 2004 Nov;5(11):863-73.
Iron, brain ageing and neurodegenerative disorders.
Zecca L, Youdim MB, Riederer P, Connor JR, Crichton RR.
9. Int J Alzheimers Dis. 2010 Dec 27;2011:720658.
Iron and mechanisms of neurotoxicity.
Salvador GA, Uranga RM, Giusto NM.
Estelle Schlebusch said
am November 10 2011 @ 5:28 am
Dear Dr Rudy & Scott will you please be so kind and bring back something about Calcium being a bad actor.
Nick said
am November 14 2011 @ 11:28 am
The ms clinic in calgary has told me to take 1000ui of calcium a day because people with ms are more prone to getting osteoporosis, can you answer this one?
Jane Cameron said
am November 15 2011 @ 2:49 am
I just want help in getting better without costing money. I have had MS for 35 years & am fed up as I live in a wheelchair every day. As much as I want to try your products, I just can’t afford them but that is not your problem, it’s mine.
Do find it interesting to read what you say so Thankyou Dr. Cartwright.
Sincerely Jane.
Ian Perks said
am November 15 2011 @ 3:24 am
Please can you advise me on how to regain walking. I am NOT in a wheelchair but cannot walk unaided.
I look forward to your reply
julie said
am November 15 2011 @ 4:29 am
Turns out I have late stage neural lyme vs MS. Since the pathology is the same, i still follow many recoomendations for MS as I have the MS MRI and symptoms. Getting much better on antibiotics however my first step towards recovery sans meds…was diet. Turns out I had a MAJOR flair up after beefing up on iron supplements and red meat for anemia. Got wildly sick. Thank you for confirming my suspicion that iron may have contributed to the cause. Now my diet includes loads of green leafy vegetables…no sugar…no wheat..no dairy. Kitchen looks like prep station for a small goat farm. Had my first maple sugar infused desert last week. Woke up with the shakes. Diet is medicine. Its easy to cut all the triggers out when you view them as poison versus a treat. Play a mind game with yourself and health will greet you around the corner. Thank you for all the great into.
Yeshimabett King| said
am November 15 2011 @ 5:08 am
First of all I am a vegan and so do not eat red meat, or any other flesh. I have followed Dr. Cartwright’s suggestion to eliminate any form of calcium from my diet from the very beginning. I used to take calcium and magnesium capsules before, now I take and a good multi vitimin, 2,00omg of D3 daily, The Essentials, Vitamin E Alpha Lipoic Acid and Naltrexone. I have recently had the CCSVI treatment in India (which has not made any significant difference to the burning sensation in both my legs and my loss of balance). However, I give thanks to God each morning for my life as I know that God is with me through this life challenge.
I could really do with some personal advise from Dr. Cartwright as to what best to do now. While I was at the hospital in India, I found out that my MS has changed from RSMS to SPMS. I believe that the CCSVI really does work, but for only certain individuals – mainly those who are young, with RRMS and fairly newly diagnose – I may be wrong there.
Anyway thanks to Dr. Cartwright for dedicating his time and effort for bringing us information that is always appreciated.
Yeshimabett King – 54 years old today!
Estelle Coetzee said
am November 15 2011 @ 5:46 am
Thank you i will try to cut out red meat and calcium
THANK YOU
DR.
Because i have lot of pain, and drink daily pain medecine.
Ray Charpentier said
am November 15 2011 @ 5:50 am
Dr Cartwright,
There seems to be a lot of controversy over CCSVI treatment. It may be helpful to get you opinion on this.
Thank You
Kathleen Duffy said
am November 15 2011 @ 6:01 am
I take a Alendronate once a week,was going to start on calciun 600 1 in AM & 1 in PM, ALSO 1,000 VITAMIN D SLOW RELEASE . I Recently had a Bone Scan and they found OSTEOPOROSIS in my Spin and PINA IN ONE OF MY HIPS,should I check with mt Doctor before starting to take these Clacium supplements? Thank-You
Kim Hess said
am November 15 2011 @ 6:33 am
What do you recommend for women with ms who have a low iron count as well as hypothyroidism?
Kathleen Pedrick said
am November 15 2011 @ 6:48 am
Thank you Dr. Cartwright. Quick question. Is is okay to eat vegetables that are high in iron?
Kathy Pedrick
John Du Toit said
am November 15 2011 @ 8:44 am
Thanks for this info but I do not have “An Iron” allergic attack but I do Have body pains 99% of the time, what can I take for this Body/Muscle pain??
Regards
John
Dana Hall said
am November 15 2011 @ 9:31 am
How do I open the information in bold to read the research?
Judith Norris said
am November 15 2011 @ 10:32 am
Thanks Dr. Cartwright,
You have come through for patients of MS once again. We are very grateful for the information you provide. The sources cited are as authentic and genuine as you are.
I personally have appreciated your advice. You have helped this fifty-five years of living with MS person realize that after my positive atitude, exercise and healthy diet, there is always more to learn.
Could you please address Primary Progressive MS? I have found little information about that condition.
Thanks again!
Rod Nettle said
am November 15 2011 @ 12:22 pm
Yes, being a haemochromatosis genetic sufferer we are well aware of the problem of too much iron in the blood; and I know I feel much better with the encephalomyelitis/MS when I am giving blood regularly and getting the iron level down.
chrystal jennings said
am November 15 2011 @ 12:47 pm
I eat very little meat. I just don’t like it, never have liked it. I eat fish,salads, vegetables,fruit (a lot of canned fruit too), and I am not much on desserts although the older I am getting the more I like them. I am 5 ft 7inches tall weigh 126. I know little about iron.
William Irons said
am November 15 2011 @ 1:58 pm
Thanks, wery interesting in regards to iron
Judith said
am November 15 2011 @ 2:18 pm
So why are many people with MS diagnosed with iron deficiency and put on iron supplements?
marianne said
am November 15 2011 @ 4:23 pm
Hello,
I was very fortunate that I found you on the web. \it was by accident abouta yr or so ago.
I have suffered with MS but have been turned off by the doctors as it is all about more drugs
and more visits. I decided I would go the natural route and have. I saw dr. c’s info about how calcium
was not good for MS suffer’s and went off the calcium that I had been taking, I have noticed a differene in
the tremors that i have and also the tiredness. I am starting the vitamins etc that he suggested but have to order them here in the USA as we have not got them in Canada. Now he tells us iron is not good and I am going to be sure that anything that I supplement with won’t have iron in it. I thank DR. Cartwright for sharing this knowledge amd hope he will continue to do so in the future. I am doing much better and I feel much better.
thanks again, truly marianne
Cheryl Fassett Montreal said
am November 15 2011 @ 5:17 pm
Makes sense, the IRON. But we need iron for our body strenght. ??
marguerite richardson said
am November 15 2011 @ 6:43 pm
interestingly enuf, i was in the hospital in december (toxic shock caused by a forgotten tampon and pneumonia caused by food that when down the wrong tube) and they were giving iron supplements. i had to go back into the hospital in july (for seizers; i didn’t know they were a symptom of ms) and i was not given the iron. normally i do not eat red meat, eat foods that contain or supplement for calcium, for that matter. i am taking medication for the seizers and as long as i religously remember to take the medication i will not have anymore episodes (i skilled a few pills and ended up back in the hospital). i wonder now if the iron supplements were the cause of my seizers.
Karalee Cook said
am November 15 2011 @ 9:20 pm
Should I not take my multi- vitamin because it has iron and cacium in it? Also, is it ok to eat some red meat 2 or 3 x’s a wk. or try to not have any? What exactly is the Essentials? I think I should get some if it will help all of these symptoms and my worst ones balance ( getting worse like I feel like I’m going over backwards) and I use a walker and have to hold on to something if not using the walker. Please advise. Also do you detox when your taking the
essentials? Will detoxing make me not feel well for the holidays or should I wait till they are over?
Dr. Rudy Cartwright said
am November 15 2011 @ 10:33 pm
What vegetables are high in iron?
Dr. Cartwright
Dr. Rudy Cartwright said
am November 15 2011 @ 10:46 pm
Ms. Duffy,
It is a good idea to discuss with your doctor.
Dr. Cartwright
Dr. Rudy Cartwright said
am November 15 2011 @ 10:56 pm
Ms. King,
HAPPY BIRTH DAY! AND MAY YOU HAVE MANY MORE!
Dr. Cartwright
theresefrances said
am November 15 2011 @ 11:55 pm
Interesting and confirms my own research. How though do I overcome the arrogant and disbelief of Neurologists who won’t deign to do some research themselves. It’s readily available but a lowly patient is supposed to be ignorant.
Thanks for all that you do.
Janet Carroll said
am November 16 2011 @ 6:10 am
Dr. Cartwright, I take daily 1.5g Calcium, Magnesium (as oxide)750mg and Zinc 45mg What should I eliminate? thank you Janet Carroll
Natasha Chagan said
am November 16 2011 @ 8:01 am
Doctor,Prior to my MS diagnoses earlier this year,I didn’t even know what ms was.Still learning daily about this disease,which is why,I am so appreciative of Dr. Cartwright sharing all this helpful info with us all.Thank you ever so much.
Natasha Chagan from sunny South Africa.
Joan Lardner said
am November 16 2011 @ 8:58 am
I am taking osteofos d3 twice a day which is a mixture of calcium and vitamin d3,
should
I am taking osteofos d3 which is a mixture of calcium and vitamin d3 twice a day.
I notice that at night when I sit down I cannot stop my legs moving and wont stop
until I go to bed. I dont eat red meat too often perhaps twice a week and then just a little. Thank you Dr Cartwright for all your help.
i
S Kelley said
am November 16 2011 @ 10:16 am
I have had MS since 1980, now SPMS. I have bone loss due to prednisone and need calcium. So now what?
Shirl said
am November 16 2011 @ 12:40 pm
Dr. Cartwright:
From 18 – 20 years old, I worked in C-I-L. They manufactured ammunition. I remember working in the “bullet room”. Think it would have contributed to my MS?
I have poor balance and I have the “famous” fatigue factor.
Mr. Thomas said
am November 16 2011 @ 3:01 pm
Can anybody tell me about Calcium AEP? I’ve heard from different sources that this is beneficial to somebody with MS. Am I just wasting my money?
Sheila Bowers said
am November 16 2011 @ 7:52 pm
My first symptoms at age 76 and DX with MS within a Mo.I obtained several opinions, in fact one Neuro. who does studies on MS and treatments, said it couldn’t be , i was not in the age group for onset, however, after viewing the MRI results that i took to him, he said yes it is MS. I am now 82yrs. Have been on Rebif inj. for 3 yrs. No new lesions since beginning the trmt. However my symptoms have become worse. DBL. vision, numbness all over my body. Balance issues. Must now use a wheelchair when out of my house. My Neuro. recently took me off Iron. I am taking a lot of Rx. meds. for other health issues. I do like red meat, which i should probably cut back, like WAY back. I would like to know is it so uncommon for onset of MS at late age?? I have attended MS seminars,no one near my age in attendance. I will welcome any dietary advice.
Thanks for listening
Sheila B
Dr Janet K Cooley said
am November 17 2011 @ 5:54 am
I have fund your comments regarding Calcium & Iron very interesting. I have for the past 40 years taken added calcium each morning, as I have never drunk milk or eaten any dairy product. Do you think I should give up calcium & not think about what a lack of calcium will do to my bones. I eat very little meat & so I don’t believe iron is a problem for me.
Blossom Banfield said
am November 17 2011 @ 6:26 am
I have quit taking calcium since our phone conversation the other day and cut back on beef and cheese. I will soon be off of it all together. Thank you Dr. Cartwright for all of the time that you put in to help us all out. I really appreciate you.
kathy clemente said
am November 17 2011 @ 6:56 am
OK WHERE IS THE SURVEY
Janet Carroll said
am November 17 2011 @ 7:35 am
Hi, I am on a vitiman calcium 1.5g, magnesium oxide 750mg and zind 45mg. Should I stop the calcium? and continue with the other vitimans? Thank you for answering my questions. Janet Carroll
Brigitte De Wilde said
am November 17 2011 @ 9:52 am
I have had MS for 12 years, I was more than 60 when I got it. I have a secondary progressive form. The spasticity in my l annoys me very much.
I try to swim a lot, actually walk in the water;
Unfortunately there is no cure for MS.
Thank you for your support
Dipl Ing. Olga Paulikova said
am November 18 2011 @ 7:37 am
I have been suffering from MS for 27 years,but I am still working- thanks treatment of my doctor.I am a secondary school teacher and I would like to continue in my work.In my long fight with MS a take a lot of medicine, e.g. 1-beta-feron, cytostatics,kortikoids, a lot of vitamins… The result of this care is not only slow- downing of my MS, but strong osteoporosis too. Another doctor prescribed me against this illness cure with calcium – drugs like Caltrate, Ossica.. and suggested me to eat a lot of products with calcium – cheeses,drink milk… So, now I asked you, Dr.Carthwright, what to do with this?
Kathleen Johnson said
am November 18 2011 @ 10:05 am
I have been taking Coral Calcium 2,000 mg combined with Vitamin D3. I have had no problems. I have also been prescribed Vitamin D 400 IU as well. I have found no problems. I have just been prescribed Ampyra 10mg tabs twice a day. It is to soon to tell how this medication is doing.
It is the first I heard about Iron being a problem. I am still ambulatory with a diagnosis as far back as 2001. I am 58 years old now. I am hoping the Ampyra will alleviate my problem with balance and walking.
Kathy Johnson
mslcolm boghosian said
am November 18 2011 @ 10:54 am
How do you get bak a defisit caused by m. s. like walking?
Mary Kelly said
am November 18 2011 @ 5:35 pm
Hi Dr. Cartwright. I’m sorry if I’m confused about what you would like me to tell you. My worst symtoms is my bladder. I urinate about 30 times a day and I take vesicare. I take one and am suppose to take 2 a day but I’m nervous about taking 2 pills. I did it wrong and I was dizzy for about 12 hrs. and had to crawl to the washroom. I also have a tumour in my right eye. My lid hangs down and I’m embarrassed by that because some of the tumor is still there. The radiation shrunk it but the tumor was tangeled at the back of my eye so they tried radiation. I take omega 3 and Systane ulra which seems to help. Of course fatigue is a runner up. Pls let me know if I’ve answered this correct. Dr. Cartwright to your better health. Bless you for your kind and caring ways.
respectfully yours, Mary Kelly
Darlene said
am November 18 2011 @ 5:50 pm
Iwould like to know more about Brain Imformation & its effects on ms?
Eunice Nafziger said
am November 18 2011 @ 7:51 pm
available in USA. Good I hear.
Eunice Nafziger said
am November 18 2011 @ 7:57 pm
Now testing for CCSVI, says md, ask to be on waiting list in AB
viv peck said
am November 19 2011 @ 12:25 am
what are the newest treatmenhts for ms with intrAvenouds treatments
Dave Laudin said
am November 19 2011 @ 9:20 pm
Great to see a source of adding helpful and precise information for us M.S. patients. Well, as my M.D. felt that the 5000I.U of vitamin D/day was not as adquate nor showing the positive improvement in my lab values except with 7500 I.U. per day. I would consider conferring with your own M.D. before taking any of this advise, however. Please note that Calcium cannot be absorbed by your bloodstream without the presence of adequate quality Vitamin D3. Also, your body can only absorb 500 mg. at any one time, so I have to take mine both A.M. & P.M. If I needed more, I would alter. Note: recent research confirms that Vitamin D3 cannot be absorbed by the body without the presence of fat. The best recommended types are Unsaturated fats, especially Omega-3 fish Oil (Mercury free) and /or Flaxseed Oil. Taking Calcium, Vitamin D3 and Omega3 Fatty fish oil capsules is your goal. Prevent Osteo-demineralization complications. Good Luck. Regards, Dave
Dave Laudin said
am November 19 2011 @ 9:26 pm
Note I neglected to say that it was up to 500milligrams per time of injestion, that the body can absorb. So don’t think that taking any supplement amounting to greater that 500 mg. at any one time, will allow a greater absorption of the calcium at any one time. This in why it is suggested that it be taken as 500mg. in A.M. and P.M. for the 1000mg. that should be the minimul amount taken each day for M.S. Patients. Don’t let your levels drop, or you could require a greater amount, later. Good Luck.
Pat said
am November 20 2011 @ 5:42 pm
Would like to see some information on Primary Progressive M.S.
Sue Auld said
am November 22 2011 @ 6:08 pm
I have had MS for 15 yrs. The first 10 yrs it was like an invisible disease.
The course of my MS has changed to SPMS. I broke my right hip in 2009 and found out I have osteop. The doctor wants me to take calcium for my bones. They also want me to take Forteo a daily inj. to rebuild my bones.
Dr. Cartwright should I continue the calcium? Are you familar with Forteo? Right now I am on Reclast a yearly invusion for my Osteop.
I was on Fosamax which bothered my stomach. I have heard bad things about this drug. I have the involuntary jerking of my legs that seems worse. I do go to the pool 3 days a week.
Let me know if you have any suggestions for this symptom?
I appreciate your valuable knowlege and help!
Sue
Theresa Norton said
am November 23 2011 @ 9:13 am
My Daughter has MS for the past 3 years. I will mention the article of Iron to her.
She works with her Husband 5 days a week in their TWO STORES
She is doing Ti Chi Exercise two times a week looks after their house etc. Plays Bridge (Cards) two times a week and also belongs to a BOOK CLUB. She is very active and has no serious signs yet.
Thank You Theresa Norton
Theresa Norton said
am November 23 2011 @ 9:15 am
I did leave a comment it is my daughter h who has MS She works 5 days a week does TiChi 2 times a week they have a house to look after and normal family duties. Thank you
Theresa Norton
Susan Russo said
am November 28 2011 @ 3:42 pm
About two weeks ago, while in physical therapy, I noticed a pressure in my left shoulder, mid-back and left chest. I assumed I had overdone and pulled a muscle. Several doctors later and stress test, echo, Cat scan to rule out CAD revealed 2 blocked arteries. Are there any special precautions or steps to take prior to the angiogram? I am concerned about
possible overnight hospitalization and exposure to germs. Any suggestions?
David Gladstone said
am December 15 2011 @ 3:19 pm
Interesting and disturbing information on iron being a “bad actor” in MS. How does one limit iron consumption, given it being widely used as a nutritionl supplement?