Multiple sclerosis is an autoimmune disorder affecting the central nervous system. Symptoms of the chronic condition vary, but often include muscle weakness, pain, fatigue, slurred speech and vision problems. There is no cure for MS but treatment may delay the progression of the disease. Vitamins may help treat some of the symptoms; however, you should consult your doctor before taking a multivitamin.
Vitamin B-3
Ensure that your multivitamin contains all of the B vitamins. H.T. Mount, M.D., began using B vitamins as a treatment for multiple sclerosis over 60 years ago with good results. Vitamin B-3, also known as niacinamide, may be particularly helpful in reducing symptoms. Research published in “The Journal of Neuroscience” in 2006 investigated the link between niacinamide and symptoms of MS in mice. Mice treated with niacinamide had significantly less damage to a section of nerve cell called the axom than mice that did not receive the vitamin.
Vitamin D
People with MS often have lower levels of vitamin D compared to healthy adults. Research published in 2010 in the journal “Neurology” tested whether providing vitamin D to MS patients could ease their symptoms. Patients that took the vitamin had fewer relapses and a reduction of symptoms, according to researchers. Although the researchers specifically studied doses of vitamin D above the recommended daily amount, the Office of Dietary Supplements states that the tolerable upper limit of vitamin D for adults is 100 micrograms; higher doses can cause toxicity.
Vitamins A, C and E
Vitamins A, C and E are antioxidants which can help prevent damage done to your body by free radicals. Make sure your multivitamin provides you with your daily recommended amount of these vitamins. Vitamin A can help to repair a leaky gut, which may be associated with multiple sclerosis. Vitamin A also helps to treat a number of eye problems. Vitamin C and E boost your immune system, repair any tissue damage and increase collagen production.
Other Supplements
Your multivitamin should also contain other important supplements and minerals. Omega-3 fatty acids, found in fish oil, can help to decrease inflammation and improve immunity. Trace minerals are important for multiple sclerosis as well. Magnesium helps to produce cellular energy and absorb the B vitamins. Low levels of magnesium may cause muscle problems, a common symptom in multiple sclerosis. Many patients with multiple sclerosis have a magnesium deficiency. Make sure that your multivitamin also contains calcium, zinc and selenium for optimal health.
References
- PubMed Health; Multiple Sclerosis; August 2010
- Orthomolecular Medicine News Service; Vitamins Fight Multiple Sclerosis; October 2006
- “The Journal of Neuroscience”; Protecting Axonal Degeneration by Increasing Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide Levels in Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis Models; Shinjiro Kaneko, et al.; September 2006
- Huffington Post; Vitamin D: The Multiple Sclerosis Connection; David Perlmutter; February 2011
- “Neurology”; A Phase I/II Dose-Escalation Trial of Vitamin D3 and Calcium in Multiple Sclerosis; J.M. Burton, et al.; June 2010
- Multiple Sclerosis Resource Centre: Supplements
- University of Maryland Medical Center; Multiple Sclerosis; Steven D. Ehrlich; June 2010
- Office of Dietary Supplements: Vitamin D
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