Your nerves are encased in a protective sheath. With multiple sclerosis, or MS, the immune system attacks this protective covering, damaging the nerves and impacting their ability to send messages from the brain to various areas of the body. The severity and symptoms of the disease vary between individuals. Treatment typically entails drugs to reduce inflammation and prevent the immune system from attacking the tissue. Specific nutritional supplements might address certain aspects of the disease, but no cure exists. Talk to your doctor before using supplements to treat MS.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
According to an article in the December 2002 issue of the ‘’Journal of the American College of Nutrition," omega-3 fatty acids augment the treatment and prevention of inflammatory and autoimmune conditions. These fatty acids appear to offer various benefits for autoimmune conditions, such as reducing inflammation and altering the improper immune system response that triggers an assault on the body’s own tissues. The fatty acids in fish, such as EPA and DHA, seem to work better than ALA, the omega-3 fatty acid found in plant foods, such as flax seed. More research is required to fully understand the role of these substances and the full scope of their therapeutic benefit.
Vitamin D
Vitamin D intake is associated with both a reduced risk of developing MS and a reduction in the severity of the disease. Gathering data on the vitamin D intake of more than 187,000 nurses, researchers from Harvard University found that women who regularly supplemented with at least 400 IU of vitamin D daily were less likely to develop MS compared to women who did not use vitamin D supplements. Vitamin D intake through the diet did not appear to offer any protection. These findings were published in the January 2004 issue of ‘’Neurology.’’
Researchers from Argentina studied the blood of 132 patients with MS and found that vitamin D levels tended to be lower during relapses compared to periods of remission. They also observed vitamin D produced various positive effects on the immune system, such as reducing the production of inflammatory chemicals. While more study is needed, the researchers report their findings suggest a role for vitamin D supplementation in the treatment of MS. Their findings were published in the March 2009 issue of ‘’Brain.’’
Antioxidants
An article about MS and the role of antioxidants, published in the December 2005 issue of the ‘’European Journal of Clinical Nutrition,’’ indicates these substances might play a role in treating this disease. The Dutch researchers who wrote the article note that low levels of antioxidants have been observed in MS patients and that animal research has found treatment with antioxidants reduced symptoms. They appear to work in various ways, such as altering the harmful actions of proteins and other agents and reducing oxidative stress. Examples of antioxidants include vitamin C, vitamin E, selenium and beta-carotene. Talk to your doctor about the appropriate antioxidant supplement to take.
Considerations
Before using any type of supplement, talk to your doctor first about potential interactions with medications and other safety issues. Even substances naturally occurring in foods can pose health risks when taken in larger quantities for medicinal purposes. For example, omega-3 fatty acids can interact with blood-thinning medications such as warfarin, and vitamin D can be toxic if taken in large doses. You should not view these treatments as substitutes for standard therapies; never discontinue or alter your other treatments without talking to your doctor first.
References
- ''Journal of the American College of Nutrition''; Omega-3 Fatty Acids in Inflammation and Autoimmune Disease; Artemis P. Simopoulos, MD, FACN; December 2002
- ''Brain''; Immunomodulatory Effects of Vitamin D in Multiple Sclerosis; Jorge Correale, et al.; March 2009
- ''European Journal of Clinical Nutrition''; Antioxidants and Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids in Multiple Sclerosis; M.E. van Meeteren, et al.; December 2005
- ''Neurology''; Vitamin D Intake and Incidence of Multiple Sclerosis; K.L. Munger, et al.; January 2004
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