Vitamin D and MS

Vitamin D for MS

Recent research shows that excessively high vitamin D levels are detrimental to patients with MS and lead to myelin loss. Conversely, other studies show that MS is more common in individuals with lower exposure to the sun and, consequently, vitamin D. Therefore, vitamin D levels should ideally be neither too high nor too low. Generally, people have too little vitamin D. If you have MS, it is advisable to have your vitamin D levels measured so that you can administer the correct dosage through diet and supplements.

Increase vitamin D

UV light

UV-B radiation from sunlight or tanning beds provides the most vitamin D. UV radiation has both positive and negative properties, which is why it is wise to avoid excessive, but certainly not insufficient, exposure to UV light. During the winter months, moderate tanning is more of an advantage than a disadvantage, but do not overdo it by choosing the strongest tanning bed and the longest duration. If the sun's intensity is strong enough—during the period from May to October in the Netherlands—fifteen to thirty minutes in the sun is often sufficient for the daily dose of vitamin D.

Power supply

Although it is difficult to get enough vitamin D through diet alone, every little bit helps. Fatty fish and mushrooms exposed to UV light contain vitamin D in relatively high concentrations. Vitamin D is found in very low concentrations in eggs, meat, and other animal products.

Supplements

The easiest way to get enough vitamin D during the dark days is to buy a vitamin D supplement. The recommended daily dose is between 10 and 20 micrograms (400-800 IU). Many supplements are dosed higher than the recommended daily dose. The maximum recommended daily dose is 100 micrograms (4000 IU). Therefore, 25 micrograms (1000 IU) per day is more than sufficient during the dark days.

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