Multiple sclerosis is a chronic inflammatory disease, which destroys the myelin sheath surrounding the nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord. Although scientists accept that nutrition is one of the possible environmental factors contributing to the pathogenesis of multiple sclerosis, its role as a complementary treatment is unclear and largely disregarded. With the exception of a few molecules, most vitamins and minerals have not been studied thoroughly. As of the time of publication, there are no supplement or dietary guidelines to complement the regime of multiple sclerosis patients.
Multiple Sclerosis
Multiples sclerosis is a disease that affects the nervous system. The material that protects the nerves is gradually damaged. This slows down or even blocks the electrical signals between your nerve cells, which results in poor coordination between your brain and body. Medline Plus reports that the symptoms of multiple sclerosis include thinking and memory problems, lack of coordination and balance, visual disturbances and muscle weakness.
Although the exact cause of this debilitating disease is not known, FamilyDoctor.org claims that it is possibly a combination of environmental, genetic and viral factors that lead to its development. However, it is very clear that it has an immune-mediated basis. The immune system produces antibodies that attack the cells of the myelin sheath.
Vitamin D
Vitamin D seems to play an important role in multiple sclerosis. In August 2011, a review published at the journal “The Proceedings of the Nutrition Society” confirms that vitamin D deficiency is correlated with multiple sclerosis, among other diseases with strong immunological associations. Vitamin D is a key molecule in the regulation and activation of the immune system. This study review reports that vitamin D can interact directly with immune cells and also regulate the functions of the specialized cells that produce antibodies.
At the same time, scientists confirm in a February 2005 article in the journal “Multiple Sclerosis” that intake of vitamin D is associated with a lower incidence of multiple sclerosis. This study also suggests preventive vitamin D and calcium supplementation for multiple sclerosis patients in the early stages because they are at high risk of osteoporosis too.
Vitamin E and HDL
A novel study published in 1998 in the journal “Neuroscience Letters” confirmed that serum levels of vitamin E are significantly lower. This nutrient is a potent antioxidant and may be involved in the protection of membranes.
High-density lipoprotein, also known as HDL, has many physiological roles in the human body. Except for the protective role against atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, a study published in the journal “Atherosclerosis” in August 2011 reports that HDL takes part in immune and inflammatory responses as well as the production of antibodies.
Conclusion
Scientific literature provides a fragmented picture of the role of nutrition to multiple sclerosis development and treatment. It is frequent that malnutrition may potentially exacerbate the symptoms of multiple sclerosis. With the exception of vitamin D, experts have yet to agree on a specific supplement or dietary formula that could support multiple sclerosis patients. Your doctor can determine the dosage of vitamin D that is suitable for you.
References
- “The Proceedings of the Nutrition Society”; Vitamin D and Immune Function: An Overview; Hewison M.; August 2011
- “Neuroscience Letters”; Cerebrospinal Fluid Levels of Alpha-tocopherol In Patients With Multiple Sclerosis; Jimenez-Jimenez F. J., et al.; June 1998
- “Nutritional Neuroscience”; Serum Levels of Antioxidant Vitamins and Lipid Peroxidation in Multiple Sclerosis; Besler H.T., et al.; June 2002
- “Complementary Therapies in Medicine”; The Molecular Basis of Nutritional Intervention in Multiple Sclerosis: A Narrative Review; Riccio P.; August 2011
- Medline Plus: Multiple Sclerosis
- Family Doctor.org: Multiple Sclerosis
- “Multiple Sclerosis”; Multiple Sclerosis and Nutrition; Schwarz S., et al.; February 2005
