Vitamin D for multiple sclerosis

Posted on Mon, 22 May 17

Relatively short term supplementation with vitamin D can improve cognitive performance and memory in people with multiple sclerosis. 

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune disease primarily affecting the brain and spinal cord. Low vitamin D has been strongly associated with risk for developing MS and vitamin D supplementation has been shown to have an important protective effect against disease development in people at risk. 

Few if any studies, however, have assessed the potential for vitamin D supplementation to improve MS symptoms. 

In a new study people with MS and vitamin D deficiency (<25 ng/ml) received 10,000 IU vitamin D3 daily for 3-months. Despite the short treatment time it was found that vitamin D supplementation increased to blood levels to a mean of 49.0ng/ml and improved memory test results. In addition, a higher blood level of vitamin D was predictive of better cognitive performance.

“Vitamin D₃ replacement could improve cognitive performance in MS patients and make a significant difference in the patient's quality of life,” concluded the investigators. A longer-term study is underway. 

Reference: 

Darwish H, Haddad R, Osman S, et al. Effect of Vitamin D Replacement on Cognition in Multiple Sclerosis Patients. Sci Rep. 2017 Apr 4;7:45926.