A lot of attention has been made regarding the implications of Vitamin D (and in particular, its deficiency) and correlation with the development of multiple sclerosis. One large study found that low vitamin D levels were associated with MS, but did not demonstrate if taking Vitamin D AFTER diagnosis would be of any use.
This pilot study from the Mayo clinic explores that very issue. 15 relapsing-remitting MS'ers were given oral (yay!) calcitriol-- a form of Vitamin D prescribed to people who have low levels of calcium in their blood for 48 weeks. The participants were also advised to limit their dietary intake of calcium to prevent skewing the results as well as overdosing on calcium. 13 of the 15 successfully finished the trial, and were examined using expanded disability status scale, MRIs, and clinical examinations.
The results were promising. 4 patients had a total of 5 relapses in the 48 weeks, and 12 of the 13 had their EDSS stay stable within 1 point of starting. MRIs showed enhancing (active) lesions in 5 patients and baseline and 4 at the end of the study.
You know it's coming: This study showed a positive trend on a safe, easily-administered therapy, but because it is so small-- "more studies are warranted."
Click "read more" for the link to the original abstract.
Link to Study Abstract
Click here for abstract
