Vitamin D status associated with multiple sclerosis activity, progression

http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2014-01/tjnj-vds011714.php

PUBLIC RELEASE DATE: 20-Jan-2014
Contact: Karen Feldscher
The JAMA Network Journals

Vitamin D status appears to be associated with reduced disease activity in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) and a slower rate of disease progression, according to a study by Alberto Ascherio, M.D., Dr.P.H., of the Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, and colleagues.

MS is a common cause of neurological disability and vitamin D status may be related to the disease process, according to the study background.

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http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2014-01/hsop-bvd011714.php

PUBLIC RELEASE DATE: 20-Jan-2014
Contact: Karen Feldscher
Harvard School of Public Health
Boosting vitamin D could slow progression, reduce severity of multiple sclerosis

Boston, MA — For patients in the early stages of multiple sclerosis (MS), low levels of vitamin D were found to strongly predict disease severity and hasten its progression, according to a new study led by Harvard School of Public Health (HSPH) investigators in collaboration with Bayer HealthCare. The findings suggest that patients in the early stages of MS could stave off disease symptoms by increasing their vitamin D intake.

"Because low vitamin D levels are common and can be easily and safely increased by oral supplementation, these findings may contribute to better outcomes for many MS patients," said lead author Alberto Ascherio, professor of epidemiology and nutrition at HSPH.

The study will appear online January 20, 2014 in JAMA Neurology.

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