Multiple sclerosis is an incurable condition that affects your central nervous system, the National Multiple Sclerosis Society explains. MS makes your immune system attack your central nervous system causing symptoms such as numbness of limbs, impaired sense of balance, muscle stiffness and difficulty walking. Vitamin D may lower the risk of developing MS or alleviate the severity of symptoms of the disease, MayoClinic.com notes.
Vitamin D
Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin contained in food and available in supplement form. Your body can also produce vitamin D when you are exposed to sunlight, the Office of Dietary Supplements explains. Your body must process vitamin D through your liver and kidneys in order to utilize it. Vitamin D facilitates the absorption of calcium and regulates phosphate and serum calcium levels to ensure bone mineralization. Vitamin D also helps moderate cell growth and your immune function. Your body also uses vitamin D to facilitate bone growth.
Vitamin D Dosage for Multiple Sclerosis
Getting adequate amounts of vitamin D may have a protective effect against the development of multiple sclerosis. The recommended daily dose of vitamin D for adults between the ages of 19 to 70 is 600 IU, MayoClinic.com notes. Adults older than 70 need about 800 IU daily. Some doctors now believe this dosage should be increased but should not exceed 4,000 IU daily. The possible mechanism of action for vitamin D in MS patients concerns vitamin D's ability to strengthen your immune system.
Tolerable Upper Intake Levels of Vitamin D and Vitamin D Toxicity
The tolerable upper intake level refers to the maximum daily amount you can take without suffering adverse effects, the Office of Dietary Supplements explains. The current tolerable upper intake level of vitamin D is 4,000 IU. Taking more than 4,000 IU daily can cause adverse reactions including vitamin D toxicity. More research is necessary to determine the safest vitamin D upper intake levels as well as identifying optimal doses for maintaining proper health and for treating diseases such as MS. Nausea, constipation, low appetite and weight loss are all symptoms of excessive vitamin D levels.
Interactions with Other Medications
Taking certain kinds of medication, such as steroids, can affect how your body metabolizes vitamin D, the Office of Dietary Supplements notes. Other kinds of medication such as weight-loss and cholesterol medication impede your body's ability to absorb vitamin D. Epileptic medications such as phenobarbital and phenytoin help your liver convert vitamin D into inactive compounds.
Member Comments