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  • With Mayo Clinic neurologist

    Jerry W. Swanson, M.D.

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Mayo Clinic Health Manager

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Question

Vitamin D and MS: Is there any connection?

Is there any proof that vitamin D supplements can prevent MS or keep symptoms of MS from worsening?

Answer

from Jerry W. Swanson, M.D.

Several high-profile studies have suggested that high levels of vitamin D lower the risk of developing multiple sclerosis (MS), but more research is needed to assess these findings.

When a person has multiple sclerosis, the immune system attacks the coating that protects the nerve cells. Initial research suggests that a connection between vitamin D and MS could be tied to the positive effects vitamin D has on the immune system.

The possible link between vitamin D and MS is strengthened by the association between sunlight and the risk of MS. The farther away from the equator a person lives, the higher the risk of MS — suggesting that exposure to sunlight may offer protection from MS. Whether this is related to ultraviolet radiation or because active vitamin D levels increase with sun exposure remains unclear.

Until researchers clarify the possible relationship between vitamin D and MS, there isn't enough evidence to recommend vitamin D as a way to treat or prevent MS. Still, vitamin D remains an important nutrient for overall good health.

The National Academy of Sciences currently recommends 200 international units (IU) of vitamin D a day for adults up to age 50. For adults older than age 50, the recommendation increases to 400 to 600 IU a day. Generally, the upper limit for vitamin D is 2,000 IU a day.

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References
  1. Swanson JW (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. March 18, 2008.
  2. Munger KL, et al. Vitamin D intake and incidence of multiple sclerosis. Neurology. 2004;62(1):60-65.
  3. Munger KL, et al. Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels and risk of multiple sclerosis. Journal of the American Medical Association. 2006;296(23):2832-2838.
  4. Brown SJ. The role of vitamin D in multiple sclerosis. The Annals of Pharmacotherapy. 2006;40(6):1158-1161.
  5. van der Mei IA, et al. Vitamin D levels in people with multiple sclerosis and community controls in Tasmania, Australia. Journal of Neurology. 2007; 254(5):581-590.
  6. Dietary supplement fact sheet: Vitamin D. Office of Dietary Supplements. National Institutes of Health. http://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/vitamind.asp. Accessed Aug. 8, 2008.

AN01894

Oct. 14, 2008

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