People with MS may need to aim for higher vitamin D levels than those who don’t have MS.
Vitamin D is often recommended by doctors, thanks to its ability to help:
- maintain the health of bones and teeth
- regulate mood
- aid in weight loss
But did you know that it may also help lessen the symptoms of multiple sclerosis (MS) or possibly even decrease your chances of developing MS?
We’ve known for years that the incidence of MS is lower and the age of onset is higher the closer you are to the equator.
That’s great news if you live in Southeast Asia and the tropics, but it’s not if you call a locale like the United States home. Not only are you relatively far from the equator, but vitamin D deficiencies are common too.
Researchers are looking at whether low levels of vitamin D have anything to do with the growing number of MS cases that are diagnosed each week in the United States.
They’re also focusing on promising data and anecdotes from the medical and MS communities about the connection between vitamin D supplements and the decrease of symptoms related to MS.
Why are vitamin D supplements important for people with MS?
It’s no secret that vitamin D is an essential vitamin for everyone. If you have MS, it may be even more important to pay attention to your vitamin D blood levels and supplement with extra sources of vitamin D if you’re deficient.
Dr. Brian Steingo, a neurologist with Sunrise Medical Group, says vitamin D deficiency is associated with increased risk of developing MS (demonstrated even in the risk for infants of pregnant women deficient in vitamin D) and an increased risk of worsening in those with MS.
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