Multiple sclerosis, or MS, is a disease of the central nervous system characterized by destruction of the myelin sheath, resulting in widespread neurological dysfunction. In his book "Better Health Through Natural Healing," Ross Trattler notes possible symptoms of MS include vision problems, sensory impairment, fatigue and emotional disturbances. Vitamins cannot cure multiple sclerosis but they can play a supporting role in MS treatment, reducing symptoms and preventing further damage.
B Complex
If you have MS, Phyllis Balch recommends in her book "Prescription for Nutritional Healing" that you take a B100 complex vitamin three times daily. B100 contains 100 mg of all the important B vitamins; Balch notes that the B vitamins support the immune system and help maintain healthy nerves.
Vitamin B6
Balch also recommends taking an extra 50 mg of vitamin B6, three times daily, because B6 helps produce healthy red blood cells; a B6 deficiency is suspected to contribute to MS. Trattler adds that many MS patients are deficient in B6, which is particularly beneficial to the nervous and immune system.
Vitamin B12
In addition, 1,000 mcg of B12, twice daily, may be beneficial to MS sufferers, because B12 is thought to aid in cellular longevity and help protect the myelin sheath, thereby preventing nerve damage. For maximum absorbability, Balch recommends taking B12 as a lozenge or sublingually. Sublingual supplements are dissolved under the tongue, instead of swallowed, and are thought to be more easily absorbed because they go right into the bloodstream.
Choline and Inositol
Trattler suggests also adding the B vitamins choline and inositol, which combine to form the nutrient known as lecithin; you can get this nutrient from a soy lecithin supplement. Trattler notes that soy lecithin contains a substance called phosphatidyl serine, which is an essential nutrient for the health of the myelin sheath. Balch adds that lecithin stimulates the central nervous system and protects the myelin sheath from damage. Take lecithin as directed on the bottle.
Vitamin A
Antioxidants are important to prevent free radical damage to the nervous system; Balch notes that vitamins A, C and E are particularly important antioxidant vitamins. She recommends taking 25,000 international units, or IUs, of vitamin A daily. Emulsified supplements are supplements that contain a blend of two or more substances, and this blending is thought to increase absorbability in the body. As such, Balch suggests taking an emulsified vitamin A supplement that contains a blend of vitamin A and carotenoid complex listed under the ingredients label.
Vitamin C
Balch also suggests taking 3,000 to 5,000 mg of vitamin C, which works as an antiviral in the body. Trattler adds that vitamin C contains specific antioxidant properties that work as an anti-edema. An edema is associated with deterioration of the myelin sheath. To this end, Trattler suggests a more radical intake of 10,000 mg of vitamin C daily.
Vitamin E
Balch recommends taking vitamin E because it is thought to protect the nervous system from free radical damage. Trattler notes that vitamin E also aids in proper blood circulation. For best results, start by taking 400 IUs daily of vitamin E and slowly increase your dosage until you reach 1,800 IUs a day, Balch recommends. Despite the potential usefulness of these vitamins, it is important that you talk to your doctors before taking any supplement.
References
- "Prescription for Nutritional Healing;" Phyllis Balch; 2003
- "Better Health Through Natural Healing;" Ross Trattler, N.D.; 2001
