According to National Multiple Sclerosis Society, as of 2010 there are approximately 400,000 people with multiple sclerosis, or MS, in the United States. MS affects more than 2 million people worldwide. Standard treatment includes drugs that modify the course of the disease, help control symptoms and flareups, and improve functionality, safety and emotional state. In addition to conventional drugs, vitamins such as D, B12 and B3 as recommended by a medical professional may benefit MS sufferers.
Vitamin B12
An article published in December 1994 issue of Archives of Neurology assessed the link between vitamin B12 deficiency and multiple sclerosis, since both disorders share similar symptoms and destruction or loss of the myelin sheath that protects nerve cells occur in both diseases. Dr. J. Río and colleagues of General Hospital in Barcelona, Spain, discovered that mild but significant vitamin B12 deficiency has been found in individuals with MS compared with the control group. Although the link between vitamin B12 deficiency and MS is not fully understood, individuals suffering from MS should avoid a shortage of this vitamin, either by eating foods rich in B12 or using B12 supplements.
Vitamin D
Vitamin D is a key nutrient in the regulation of calcium in the body. It may also help individuals suffering from autoimmune diseases, including multiple sclerosis. According to an article by Sylvia Christakos of the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, published in August 2008 issue of Medical News Today, research found that the incidence of MS is low in equatorial countries, where people are exposed frequently to sunlight. Vitamin D, also called the sunshine vitamin, is made in the skin when the body is exposed to sun. The researcher suggested that vitamin D may suppress the occurrence of MS and that keeping normal levels of vitamin D in the body is essential. Further studies are recommended to evaluate the possibility of using vitamin D as a form of treatment for MS.
Vitamin B3
In "New Hope and Practical Advice for People with MS and Their Families", Dr. Louis Rosner suggests that vitamin B3, also called niacin or nicotinic acid may help individuals suffering from multiple sclerosis. Rosner recommends vitamin B3 especially for symptoms like numbness, tingling, burning sensation or tight band feelings around the trunk or limbs. Niacin supplementation has to be monitored by a physician since this vitamin can cause liver damage, impair glucose tolerance and cause digestive symptoms. Like vitamin D and B12, vitamin B3 , supplementation should be done under medical supervision.
References
- Archives of Neurology: Serum Homocysteine Levels in Multiple Sclerosis
- Medical News Today: Study Highlights Link Between Vitamin D And Multiple Sclerosis
- National Multiple Sclerosis Society: Who Gets MS?
- "New Hope and Practical Advice for People with MS and Their Families"; Louis J.Rosner, M.D. and Shelley Ross; 2008
