Multiple sclerosis, or MS, is a disease of the central nervous system that has an unpredictable evolution and approximately 350,000 Americans have been diagnosed with MS, says the University of Maryland, Medical Center. If you consider taking vitamins and minerals to better manage this condition, you should first talk to your health-care provider.
Vitamins
The University of Maryland Medical Center recommends supplementation with a multivitamin complex daily, particularly vitamins A, C, D, E and B, for MS sufferers.
A study published in December 2005 issue of "Multiple Sclerosis" emphasizes the role of vitamin D in MS. The researchers indicated that supplementation with vitamin D is linked with low incidence of multiple sclerosis. Dietary changes and vitamins may be recommended routinely for managing MS.
The authors also suggest another benefit of using vitamin D in MS: individuals with this condition are at higher risk to develop osteoporosis, and vitamin D along with calcium help keep the bones strong and healthy.
Minerals
The University of Maryland, Medical Center, UMMC, suggests supplementation with magnesium, calcium, zinc and selenium in addition to standard therapy and other natural supplements. Supplementation with magnesium, calcium and zinc are also supported by a study published in December 1992 issue of "Magnesium Research" by a research team from Japan. The scientists indicated that the concentration of these three minerals is lower than normal in brains affected by MS lesions. Magnesium plays a key role in the optimal function of the nervous system, and a deficiency of this nutrient may be a risk factor in the development of MS, according to this study. Furthermore, zinc has anti-viral qualities and some scientist believe that viral infections trigger MS symptoms. Another study from August 2009 issue of "Nutritional Journal" showed that low intake of magnesium, calcium and iron supplements may be related to the progression of MS. Larger studies are warranted to confirm these findings.
Dosage
In addition to a multivitamin and multimineral complex formula, a health-care provider may recommend extra vitamins and minerals, whether or not your blood tests reveal any nutrient deficiency. Some alternative health care providers recommended routinely 5000 IU or more of vitamin D daily. If you consider taking high doses of nutrients, you should do so only under medical supervision.
Considerations
It appears that both vitamins and minerals are important in managing MS. Keep in mind that these nutrients do not replace conventional treatment for MS and are not approved by U.S. Food and Drug Administration to manage this condition.
References
- Univeristy of Maryland, Medical Center: Multiple Sclerosis
- "Multiple Sclerosis"; Multiple Sclerosis and Nutrition; S. Schwartz; February, 2005
- "Magnesium Research" ; Experimental and Clinical Studies on Dysregulation of Magnesium Metabolism and the Aetiopathogenesis of Multiple Sclerosis; M.Yasui et al; December, 1992
- "Nutritional Journal"; Dietary Patterns in Clinical Subtypes of Multiple Sclerosis: an Exploratory Study.; GM. Ransaransing et al; August, 2009
