Great News for Multiple Sclerosis

In the last forty years, traditional therapy for Multiple Sclerosis has been the administration of interferon, immunomodulators, and steroids. Recent data demonstrate the profound effectiveness of high levels of Vitamin D3 in the prevention and relapse reduction of MS.

Vitamin D has been demonstrated in an MS animal model, cell cultures, and humans. In has long been known that Vitamin D deficiency is present in all neurodegenerative diseases, but especially in MS. Furthermore, Northern climates and developed countries have a much greater incidence than in Sub-tropical areas. Vitamin D is actually a hormone that regulates 229 genes, most notably the MS gene. It also reduces T cells that participate in autoimmune reactions. Experts recommend between 4,000 and 10,000 IU daily.

Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) has become the new standard for reproducible diagnosis and follow-up for MS patients. It measures the retinol nerve fiber layer, which decreases ten times as quickly in MS patients. In fact, the OCT may predict a future relapse or attack, and should be performed annually for those at risk, or those having the disease. Although visual acuity returns in 85% of people with optic neuritis, the OCT is most specific. Lastly, color vision and contrast sensitivity are more accurate predictors than a typical eye chart. The OCT is even predictive for MS attacks that don’t involve vision.

These two developments should bring hope to patients suffering from MS, and all those who care for them. I believe Vitamin D will prove the most effective prevention and treatment for this mysterious disease that affects that many people.