Vitamin D 'Staves Off MS Symptoms'

Boosting vitamin D may stave off symptoms of multiple sclerosis (MS) in early stages of the disease, research has shown.

Scientists found that levels of the vitamin were strongly linked to disease severity and speed of progression.

The findings, published in the journal JAMA Neurology, suggest that vitamin D supplements may provide a simple treatment approach for newly diagnosed patients with MS.

See Also:
This Can Help Boost Vitamin D (And Is Ridiculously Good For You)
WATCH: What Would Happen To Your Body If You Stopped Going Outside?

"Because low vitamin D levels are common and can be easily and safely increased by oral supplementation, these findings may contribute to better outcomes for many MS patients," said lead research Professor Alberto Ascherio, from the Harvard School of Public Health in the US.

Around 2.5 million people around the world are thought to have MS, an autoimmune disease which attacks the insulating material around nerve fibres.

Symptoms can range from mild tingling sensations to crippling paralysis.

Story continues below...

Foods With Vitamin D

Salmon(01 of07)

There are a number of seafood options with a hearty dose of vitamin D. Salmon is high on the list; three ounces of canned sockeye clocks in at nearly 650 IUs, more than you need in one day. And three ounces of fresh sockeye has almost 450 IUs. (credit:Flickr:BrownGuacamole)

Canned Tuna(02 of07)

Three ounces of light tuna canned in water packs 154 IUs, nearly a third of your daily recommended intake. Tuna packed in oil contains even more vitamin D, but be aware that oil means more fat. (credit:shutterstock)

Sardines(03 of07)

Another canned option is sardines. Two of the little fish pack 46 IUs, about 13 percent of your daily recommended value. (credit:Flickr:jules:stonesoup)

Egg Yolks(04 of07)

One large egg yolk contains 37 IUs of vitamin D. Eggs are also a great source of protein, and while, yes, they do contain dietary cholesterol, they haven't been linked with an increased risk of heart problems -- so go ahead and make 'em sunny side up. (credit:Flickr:mary_thompson)

Cheese(05 of07)

A slice of Swiss contains about 6 IUs and is less processed (and contains less sodium) than a cheese like American, Fitness magazine reported. A cup of ricotta cheese has 25 IUs, but we'd suggest a smaller amount, since it's also high in fat. (credit:shutterstock)

Beef Liver(06 of07)

Three ounces of liver contains 42 IUs of vitamin D, and while it might not be the first thing you reach for, liver also happens to be a good source of iron. (credit:Alamy)

Mushrooms(07 of07)

Certain fungi, when exposed to more sunlight, or to indoor ultraviolet light, can contain beneficial levels of vitamin D. Since most mushrooms are grown in the dark, check for sun-grown brands at a store near you. (credit:Flickr:woodleywonderworks)

The scientists analysed data from 465 MS patients in 18 European countries, as well as Israel and Canada who were taking part in a trial looking at the effectiveness of treatment with the drug interferon beta-1b.

Vitamin D levels were measured at the onset of symptoms and at regular intervals over a 24-hour period. The results were then compared with the progress of patients over a five years.

Early stage MS patients who had adequate levels of vitamin D were 57% less likely than those with low levels to develop new brain lesions - areas of nerve damage. They also had a 57% lower relapse rate and a 25% reduced yearly increase in lesion size.

Loss of brain volume, an important predictor of disability, was also less pronounced among patients with adequate levels of vitamin D.

"The benefits of vitamin D appeared to be additive to those of interferon beta-1b, a drug that is very effective in reducing MS activity," Prof Ascherio added.

"The findings of our study indicate that identifying and correcting vitamin D insufficiency should become part of the standard of care for newly diagnosed MS patients."

Multiple Sclerosis Health News M&S sun exposure vitamin D

Related