According to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, approximately 80 percent of individuals living with multiple sclerosis -- also simply called MS -- will experience significant fatigue as a symptom. Unlike typical fatigue, fatigue associated with MS may be debilitating to the point where your daily life functioning is impaired. Research shows that MS is more prevalent in people living in northern climates, where sunlight is less available, especially in the winter months. Your body uses the sun to produce vitamin D, and many individuals with MS have a vitamin D deficiency that appears in blood analyses. Supplementing the vitamin D that you may be lacking may help you fight your MS fatigue. Speak with your doctor before using any dietary supplement.
Step 1
Take a vitamin D supplement that provides 4000 international units, or IU, daily. According to the Vitamin D Council, vitamin D is available in several different prescription and nonprescription forms. Cholecalciferol, also known as vitamin D3, is the naturally produced form in the body. Speak with your doctor about measuring the level of the prehormone calcidiol in your blood. Low levels of calcidiol indicate a vitamin D deficiency that may require prescription-strength intervention under the guidance of your doctor. Once your calcidiol level is within normal limits, you may experience relief from your MS fatigue. You should have your blood levels of calcidiol tested regularly to assess the effectiveness of treatment.
Step 2
Expose your skin to the midday sun daily, if possible. Despite the fact that there is significantly less sunlight available in the winter months in northern climates, you can still derive benefit from even a few minutes of exposure. The Vitamin D Council recommends that you spend a few minutes each day allowing the sun to reach as much of your skin as possible. The darker your natural complexion, the longer you will need to be exposed for your body to produce vitamin D. Never allow yourself to burn, however, as this can lead to skin damage.
Step 3
Use supplemental vitamin D only with the guidance of your physician and have your vitamin D levels checked regularly for dosage adjustments. According to Dr. Jerry W. Swanson of the Mayo Clinic, vitamin D can build to toxic levels in the blood, because it is stored by the body in the fat cells. Symptoms of vitamin D toxicity include nausea, weakness and weight loss. If you experience any of these symptoms, see your doctor and have your vitamin D levels tested. A dosage adjustment can relieve vitamin D toxicity.
Step 4
Eat foods that contain vitamin D daily. These include fatty fish such as mackerel and salmon, vitamin D-fortified milk, and orange juice with added vitamin D. Few foods contain vitamin D naturally. Fortunately, food manufacturers add vitamin D to many commonly consumed foods. Your body uses vitamin D to support your immune system and maintain strong bones. If you have MS, your immune system is generally compromised by the disease and by many MS medications that suppress immunity. Eating foods with vitamin D may help you feel less lethargic and less vulnerable to illness.
Tips and Warnings
- Always use a vitamin supplement under the guidance of your physician.
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