TDNet Discover

Background: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is the most common debilitating autoimmune disease worldwide resulting in progressive disability in thousands of patients annually. Current treatments such as disease-modifying therapies (DMTs) aim to slow disease progression by decreasing inflammation and disease activity, but these therapies are costly and put patients at risk of developing opportunistic infections. Since vitamin D has previously been suspected to improve immune system functioning and prevent demyelination, exploration of supplementation as a potential MS treatment seems worthwhile. Objective: To evaluate current available literature and analyze the impact of vitamin D supplementation on the progression of disease in patients with MS. Methods: In this systematic literature review, authors searched literature from 2013 to 2023 across multiple academic databases analyzing randomized control trials (RCTs) and observational studies rated “good” or “fair” based on the NHLBI Quality Assessment Tool. Results: Four out of the seven RCTs showed slower Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) progression over time. This change was most consistently noted when serum 25(OH)D levels were maintained at or above 30 nmol/L. Three out of four studies that evaluated progression of disease through MRI consistently noted a decreased rate of new lesions as well as fewer total and active lesions for patients taking vitamin D. Conclusion: Vitamin D supplementation should be considered a safe and effective first-line supplemental treatment for patients diagnosed with MS or those with an unconfirmed diagnosis of MS due to its potential to slow disease progression and reduce lesions in the brain.