By: Dr. James W. Stark

The recent journal of Neurology (Volume 79, Number 3, July 17th, 2012) has published three separate studies examining the role of vitamin D supplementation and disease activity in Multiple Sclerosis. All three studies demonstrated either a benefit to high vitamin D levels or a worsened outcome with low levels. Specifically, one study showed that patients with high vitamin D levels on IFN-B therapy had lower relapse rates, while another study came to the same conclusion regardless of IFN-B use. The final study in an untreated patient population revealed less disease activity on MRI in patients with higher vitamin D levels. 

The IMSMP physicians recommend routine vitamin D blood testing and supplementation as needed based on those levels.