vitamin D in MS



OBJECTIVE:

To evaluate the literature about the role of vitamin D in the prevention and treatment of multiple sclerosis (MS).

DATA SOURCES:

MEDLINE (1966-April 2006) and International Pharmaceutical Abstracts (1970-April 2006) searches were performed. In addition, pertinent references from identified articles were obtained.

DATA SYNTHESIS:

Vitamin D supplementation prevented the development and progression of experimental autoimmune encephalitis, an animal model of MS, in mice. A large, prospective, cohort study found that vitamin D supplementation was associated with a 40% reduction in the risk of developing MS. Four small, non-controlled studies suggested that vitamin D supplementation may decrease exacerbation of MS symptoms.

CONCLUSIONS:

Vitamin D supplementation may help prevent the development of MS and may be a useful addition to therapy.

1 Drug Information Service, Skaggs School of Pharmacy, College of Health Professions and Biomedical Sciences, The University of Montana, 32 Campus Dr. Skaggs, Bldg 217, Missoula, MT 59812-1522,