Multiple Sclerosis  

Scientific evidence is emerging linking vitamin D3 deficiency to an increased risk of multiple sclerosis.

Research suggests that optimal blood serum levels of vitamin D3 play a preventative role in development of Multiple Sclerosis (MS) and may help to limit the progression of the disease. ⁽¹⁾

Vitamin D3, in its active hormonal form, is an established immunoregulator; optimal levels of vitamin D3 help to moderate the overall immune response and limit inflammation therefore speeding up the recovery process.^(5-6)

A 2004 study concluded that optimal 25OHD serum concentrations may be beneficial for patients with MS, both to obtain immune-mediated suppression of disease activity, and also to decrease disease-related complications, including increased bone resorption, fractures, and muscle weakness. ⁽²⁾

There is a high prevalence of MS sufferers in the Northern Hemisphere, where environmental supplies of vitamin D3 are typically low; this indicates that vitamin D3 deficiency plays a contributing role to the development of MS.

As MS is hereditary, recent research calls for the supplementation of vitamin D in pregnant women and young children to reduce the risk of a child developing multiple sclerosis in later life. Further research is needed however to verify the preventative properties of vitamin D3 in pregnancy.

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