Low Vitamin D levels linked to more Severe Multiple Sclerosis Symptoms

Low blood levels of vitamin D are associated with an increase in the number of brain lesions and signs of more active disease in people with MS. 

Researcher Ellen M. Mowry, M.D,M.C.R, Assistant Professor of Neurology at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine conducted a study showing that there was strong correlation between Vitamin D levels in our body(measured through blood samples)and brain lesions of MS as measured with MRI images. Results were described in the August issue of Annals of Neurology.

"Even though lower levels of vitamin D are associated with more inflammation and lesions in the brain, there is no evidence that taking Vitamin D supplements will prevent those symptoms"she says. 

Early on in MS the more new lesions and active spots of disease, the more likely it will be that a patient will develop longer term disability, Mowry says. Mowry also says that there is no research proving that Vitamin D will help symptoms or suggests what the best dose might be.

I was first diagnosed at the age of 29. Mine is a story that may open someones eyes to what the reality of MS is and what we as a Multiple Sclerosis patient must deal with. My doctor from the onset, after diagnosis said that getting on Vitamin D would be very beneficial and since that day I have been taking it. I guess we can just take it and hope for the best like we do with our injections or pills to help this disease and to try and prevent further disabilities. In my opinion we should give it a shot. Although there is no hard proof that taking Vitamin D will help those symptoms, there is more then enough proof that too many people are extremely low in the vitamin. 

Reference: Johns Hopkins Medicine (2012, Oct 2)Johns Hopkins Medicine (2012, October 2). Low vitamin D levels linked to more severe multiple sclerosis symptoms. ScienceDaily. Retrieved

Source: Medical Xpress 2011-2012(02/1012)

Nicole V - MS Awareness Team

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