Vitamin D3 reduces multiple sclerosis risk

Posted on Thu, 20 Feb 14

A lot of research has focused on the link between vitamin D and multiple sclerosis (MS), and a landmark study has now shown that vitamin D supplementation can significantly prevent MS development.

In the study, people with optic neuritis (inflammation of the optic nerve), which is an early warning sign of MS, were treated with vitamin D3 (50,000 IU of vitamin D3 a week, equivalent to 7000 IU a day) for 12-months. Before the study all the participants were vitamin D deficient.

After 12-months the group receiving vitamin D were no longer vitamin D deficient and were 68.4% less like to have developed clinically diagnosed MS, they also had less evidence of damage to their nervous system. This is a remarkable finding and suggests an important role for vitamin D in MS prevention.

Anyone who suspects they are vitamin D deficient should consider a daily vitamin D supplement or sunlight, especially if you have a family history of autoimmune disease.

Reference:

Derakhshandi H, et al. Preventive effect of vitamin D3 supplementation on conversion of optic neuritis to clinically definite multiple sclerosis: a double blind, randomized, placebo-controlled pilot clinical trial. Acta Neurol Belg. 2013 Sep;113(3):257-63.