Multiple sclerosis is an autoimmune condition that affects your central nervous system. The condition causes your immune system to attack the myelin cells, the protective sheaths surrounding your spinal cord nerves and brain. When these sheaths become damaged, the signals your nerves transport throughout your body are interrupted. The symptoms of this condition include changes in vision, muscle weakness, and numbness. Previous studies have revealed that vitamin D deficiency increases your multiple sclerosis risk. A new study has further revealed that high vitamin D supplementation can help alleviate some of these symptoms. Let’s take a deeper look at the link between Vitamin D and multiple sclerosis symptom relief.
Vitamin D and Multiple Sclerosis Symptom Relief Study
For the study, 303 French adult participants who had previously experienced CIS (clinically isolated syndrome) within the last three months. CIS is characterized by an initial period of neurological symptoms that can potentially lead to multiple sclerosis. One group was required to take a high dose of vitamin D every two weeks for a period of two years. Just over 60% of that group experienced lesion enlargement or a relapse of symptoms.
Almost 75% of the placebo group, however, experienced a relapse of symptoms, which is regarded as a “statistically significant difference” by the researchers. They added that “These results warrant further investigation, including the potential role of pulse high-dose vitamin D as add-on therapy.” While previously published studies did not draw the same correlation between vitamin D and multiple sclerosis symptom relief, these studies used lower doses than those used in the most recent study.
These new findings are encouraging, but supplementation will by no means completely eradicate symptoms. Speaking to Fox News, the executive vice president of research at the National MS Society in Oregon, Bruce Bebo, remarked, “Overall, the evidence suggests that the effects of vitamin D supplementation are likely to be modest, will require high doses and will be most effective when taken early in the course of disease by people who are deficient in vitamin D”.
Is It Safe?
According to the American Academy of Neurology, the recommended daily dose if vitamin D ranges from 300 to 4,000 units per day (in certain cases) for adults. However, the dose used in the study was 100,000 units per day. This is significantly higher than the recommended amount as suggested by health authorities. Excessive consumption of vitamin D can potentially be toxic. However, no adverse side effects were reported in the study. But that doesn’t mean that the treatment would be totally free of adverse side effects for everyone.
High vitamin D doses can lead to excess calcium entering the bloodstream. This can result in vomiting, nausea, needing to urinate often, and even kidney damage in certain cases. This treatment may show some potential for the treatment of MS symptoms. However, it is always a good idea to discuss the implementation of a new medication regimen with your healthcare provider first. They will be able to evaluate your vitamin D levels and help figure out a safe dosage tailored to your needs. Regular monitoring is essential if you wish to avoid potential complications while exploring any new treatment option.
Read More: Is a Common Virus Causing Multiple Sclerosis?