High Dose of Vitamin D Supplements Reduce Multiple Sclerosis Exacerbation

Relapsing remitting Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is characterized by distinct attacks of symptoms which then fade away usually after four to six weeks.

Individuals with relapsing Multiple Sclerosis (MS) can benefit by taking a high dose of vitamin D supplements, revealed a new study. The study was published in the Journal Neurology.

Researchers at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine in Baltimore have found that vitamin D3, known as Cholecalciferol will correct the body's hyperactive immune response. The recurrent relapses of multiple sclerosis symptoms are called as ‘Exacerbation’.

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‘Vitamin D supplements could reduce the number and severity of flare-ups in patients with relapsing Multiple Sclerosis (MS).’

Dr Peter Calabresi, professor of neurology who led the study, said, "These results are exciting, as vitamin D has the potential to be an inexpensive, safe and convenient treatment for people with MS.”

Researchers divided patients with MS into two groups, where one group was given 10,400 IU while another with 800 IU of Vitamin D every day for six months. They took blood tests prior and after the study to check the amount of Vitamin D in blood and the response in the immune system's T cells, which play a key role in MS.

Researchers found that patients in the high dose group had a reduction in the percentage of T cells related to MS activity compared to the low dose group.

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"We hope these changes in inflammatory T cell responses translate to a reduced severity of disease. More research is needed to confirm these findings with larger groups of people and to help us understand the mechanisms for these effects, but the results are promising,” he added.

Source-Medindia

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