Multiple Sclerosis

Could MS Activity Be Reduced With Vitamin D Supplementation?

Higher levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25[OH]D) are associated with significantly less disease activity in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) treated with fingolimod (FTY), according to the results of a recent study.

While previous research has suggested that vitamin D levels are associated with MS susceptibility and level of disease activity in patients treated with first line drugs, its effect in patients treated with FTY is unknown.


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The researchers followed 176 MS patients treated with FTY who had available 25(OH)D measurements at baseline. The participants were followed for 2 years with periodic clinical examinations and MRI scans.

Overall, no linear correlation was observed between baseline 25(OH)D levels and annualized relapse rate (ARR) or time to first relapse. However, patients with 25(OH)D ≥ 100 nmol/l had fewer gadolinium-enhancing (Gd +) and combined unique activity (CUA) lesions at baseline than patients with the lowest 25(OH)D levels, and fewer CUA lesions at 2-year follow-up when accounting for baseline disease activity level.

“In patients treated with FTY, those with the highest baseline 25(OH)D levels had a significantly lower number of active lesions at baseline; the same effect, even if weaker, was observed also at 2-year follow-up when adjusting for baseline disease activity. Given Vitamin D supplementation safety profile, also if a causal effect has not yet been shown, most of MS patients could probably benefit from 25[OH]D levels above those currently considered to be sufficient,” the researchers concluded.

—Michael Potts

Reference:

Ferre L, Clarelli F, Sferruzza G, et al. Basal vitamin D levels and disease activity in multiple sclerosis patients treated with fingolimod [published online May 13, 2018]. Neurol Sci. doi: 10.1007/s10072-018-3440-0.