Vitamin D and MS

What is the link between vitamin D and MS? It is widely believed that there are environmental and genetic factors associated with an overall higher risk of developing MS.

Countries with the highest prevalence of multiple sclerosis (MS) are those furthest away from the equator. For example, the parts of Asia, Africa and America that lie on the equator have very low levels of MS compared to Canada and Scotland which have much higher rates. This has led to further research into the potential role vitamin D could have in MS.

Studies have shown a link between genetically lowered levels of vitamin D and MS. This means people who had naturally lower levels of vitamin D were more strongly associated with increased susceptibility to MS. However, it is not yet known if increasing vitamin D levels can either delay or prevent the possibility of the onset of MS.

Vitamin D during pregnancy

Additional studies have investigated maternal vitamin D levels during pregnancy. The month of birth has been described as a risk factor for developing MS and it is thought that this is due to the amount of ultraviolet B (UVB) light exposure received from the sun throughout pregnancy. Studies have shown that those born in April have an increased risk of developing MS, compared to those born in October and November.

Link between vitamin D and MS

Low vitamin D levels could potentially cause MS to be more active. Higher levels of MS activity could then lead to lower levels of vitamin D as you are more likely to spend less time outdoors.

Vitamin D levels are mostly measured in nanomoles per litre (nmol/L) and supplements are usually prescribed in international units (IU).

According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the Office of Dietary Supplements, a vitamin D level of 30nmol/L to less than 50 is generally considered inadequate for bone and overall health in healthy people. A level of 50 or higher is generally considered adequate for bone and overall health in healthy people. And anything over 125 could cause potential adverse effects, particularly if over 150.

Vitamin D Choices booklet

If you would like to learn more about the association between vitamin D and MS, read or download our vitamin D Choices booklet for free!

Or if you would like to speak to our helpline, call 0800 783 0518 or email at info@ms-uk.org.