Vitamin D Benefits for Multiple Sclerosis and Fibromyalgia

Post written by Master - Doctor Mai Vien Phuong - Head of Department of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy - Department of Medical Examination & Internal Medicine - Vinmec Central Park International General Hospital

Recent studies have shed new light on the role of vitamin D in multiple sclerosis and fibromyalgia - two chronic, incurable and often debilitating conditions.

In a study published in the journal JAMA Neurology, researchers from the Harvard School of Public Health (HSPH) in Boston studied patients with multiple sclerosis, finding that those with elevated levels People with higher vitamin D levels will do much better than people with lower vitamin D levels.
They tested the vitamin D levels of 465 participants who were followed over a 5-year period as part of a study to monitor patients who were given Betaseron, an FDA-approved multiple sclerosis drug. acceptance. They found that increasing vitamin D levels within the first 12 months of drug treatment reduced the risk of relapse by 57%.

According to the study, patients with low vitamin D levels in the early stages of the disease had a higher risk of developing long-term multiple sclerosis.
The question is, does this disease reduce vitamin D levels or does lower vitamin levels contribute to the exacerbation of the disease? This is really the same conundrum as the "chicken first or the egg" question? classic.
In an interview with experts, lead author Alberto Ascherio, professor of epidemiology and nutrition at HSPH said, “Most likely, disease activity is exacerbated by low vitamin D levels, ” based on what they found in the study.

In a separate study conducted by researchers in Vienna, Austria, vitamin D levels were also shown to be associated with reduced levels of pain and fatigue in fibromyalgia patients.
30 study participants were divided into two groups. One group received vitamin D supplements while the other group received a placebo. In the supplemented group, the researchers noticed a significant reduction in both pain and fatigue symptoms. The finding holds promise for the effects of vitamin D on pain relief for people with fibromyalgia syndrome.

While we may not know all the answers about how vitamin D impacts multiple sclerosis or fibromyalgia, maintaining proper vitamin levels is vital to our health. .
According to the US National Institutes of Health (NIH), for people 9 years of age and older, the maximum and safe intake is 4,000 IU of vitamin D per day.
There are several ways to raise your vitamin D levels but the simplest is sunbathing. Just 10 to 15 minutes of sun exposure three times a week is enough.

“The sun needs to hit your face, arms, back or legs (don't use sunscreen).” The NIH recommends, but "because exposure to sunlight is a risk factor for skin cancer, you should use sunscreen after a few minutes in the sun."
Ascherio agrees that “a combination of good nutrition and proper sun exposure can be helpful,” but he says, “most people living in high latitudes need extra supplements to maintain year-round healthy levels.”

If you don't live in a sunny location, it may be difficult for you to maintain adequate vitamin D levels. In that case, you can also get vitamin D through your diet.
“Most milk in the United States is fortified with 400 IU of vitamin D per liter,” but the NIH warns, “It should be noted that dairy foods, such as cheese and ice cream, are often not fortified.” The best food sources for vitamin D are fatty fish like tuna, salmon, and mackerel, the NIH says.
Vitamin D supplementation can be considered a relatively safe and economical treatment for patients with multiple sclerosis. It is an extremely effective alternative or adjunct to expensive drug therapy, as well as physical, behavioral, and multimodal therapies. Vitamin D levels should be regularly monitored in fibromyalgia patients, especially during winter, and should be raised appropriately.
No matter how you plan to get more vitamin D into your body, be sure to talk to your doctor first. Take a baseline test to determine your current level and start there. Whether you have multiple sclerosis or fibromyalgia, it's clear that maintaining proper vitamin D levels is essential to managing your condition.
Note that the above information is for reference only. You should consult your doctor before deciding on any treatment. Please follow the website: Vinmec.com regularly to update many other useful information.

References: nih.gov, arthritis.org