Scientists often zero in on one aspect only when they are researching. In this case they may not have thought the vitamin D connection through to the logical conclusion. It is possible they are afraid to buck the system, which has been demonising the sun for decades. The truth is – vitamin D, from our friend the sun, is essential for all aspects of our health.

Epilepsy: Half of all victims are deficient in vitamin D

Almost every week a new piece of research finds out something else about the importance of vitamin D to our health. Now researchers have discovered that nearly half of all epileptics are deficient in the vitamin, which also increases their risk of osteoporosis, auto-immune disease, cancer, and heart disease.

Around one-third of the general population is vitamin D deficient, but researchers fear the problem is worsened in epileptics by the anti-epileptic drugs they are given. The lifestyle of epileptics could also make their deficiency worse as they may go outdoors less frequently.

(Source: American Epilepsy Society 61st annual meeting: Abstract 3.337. November 30-December 4, 2007).