Vitamin D slows the progression of the disease and reduces its severity at an early stage, according to a 5-year study of 465 patients in 20 countries.
Vitamin D deficiency, which affects half of French people according to the Academy of Medicine, promotes the onset of chronic diseases. In multiple sclerosis (MS), a normal level of the vitamin helps reduce the severity of the disease. This is the result of a study conducted by the Harvard School of Public Health (Boston, Massachussetts, United States), published on January 20 in the journal JAMA Neurology.
The level of vitamin D during the diagnosis of MS would help to anticipate the progression of the disease, according to the study. If it is too weak, it may promote the acceleration of symptoms. The study followed 465 patients from 20 different countries for 5 years, as part of a trial. All had early stage multiple sclerosis. The aim of the study is to compare the effectiveness of treatment with beta-1b interferon, the mechanism of action of which has not yet been determined. But the researchers also looked at the correlation between vitamin D levels and the progression of MS.
57% fewer relapses
“Because low levels of vitamin D are common, and can easily and reliably be improved by oral supplementation, these results may contribute to better outcomes for many patients with multiple sclerosis,” says Alberto Aschiero, senior author. The results confirm it: Vitamin D is effective in slowing down and alleviating disease. Patients at an early stage, with the correct vitamin D level, have a 57% reduced risk of developing new brain damage and having a relapse. The annual progression of multiple sclerosis is a quarter slower.
“The benefits of vitamin D have been shown to be complementary with treatment with interferon beta-1b, a very effective treatment in reducing the activity of multiple sclerosis,” says Alberto Aschiero. “The results of our study indicate that identifying and correcting vitamin D deficiency should be included in usual care for newly diagnosed patients. According to the World Health Organization, 2.5 million people are affected by multiple sclerosis. Such a finding, if confirmed, could improve the lives of patients at an early stage of the disease.
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