Chronic diseases that respond poorly to conventional treatment often respond better to supportive, integrative strategies. The goal in natural healthcare is not to “cure” the disease, but to improve function, resilience, and quality of life. In that sense, treatment is directed at the patient rather than the diagnosis. With this perspective, there are several reasonable nutritional strategies that may be helpful for individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS).
Approximately 350,000 people in the United States are affected by MS. A number of studies suggest that certain nutrients, while not disease-modifying cures, may help reduce symptom burden or disease activity. Vitamin D is among the most studied. A review published in Annals of Pharmacotherapy (2006;40:1158–1161) concluded that vitamin D supplementation may reduce the risk of developing MS and may also decrease relapse frequency in those already diagnosed.
Research published in Multiple Sclerosis (2009;15(1):9–15) found that higher serum vitamin D levels were associated with a reduced risk of MS in women and lower disability in those with established disease. A population-based study in the Journal of Neurology (2007;254:673–679) reported that low vitamin D levels were associated with greater disability in MS patients, and the authors recommended testing and correcting vitamin D insufficiency as part of clinical management. Another cross-sectional study published in Multiple Sclerosis (2008) found that lower vitamin D levels were associated with higher relapse rates in relapsing-remitting MS.
Oxidative stress has also been implicated in MS. Research published in Biological Trace Element Research (1990;24:109–117) reported that MS patients often have low selenium levels and reduced activity of glutathione peroxidase, a selenium-dependent antioxidant enzyme. Other antioxidants, including vitamins C and E, have also been studied. Elevated lipid peroxidation markers (ethane and pentane) have been observed in MS patients, particularly during disease exacerbations, according to research cited in The Nutrition Report (1992).
In one intervention study, 18 MS patients and 13 healthy controls received vitamin C (666 mg), vitamin E (80 mg), and sodium selenate (2 mg) three times daily. MS patients initially had significantly lower glutathione peroxidase activity than controls, and supplementation markedly increased enzyme activity without reported adverse effects.
Vitamin B12 has also been investigated due to its role in myelin integrity. Although MS is distinct from B12 deficiency, both conditions involve demyelination. A review in the Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery and Psychiatry (1992;55:339–340) noted that MS patients may demonstrate macrocytosis, a finding commonly associated with B12 deficiency. Studies published in the Archives of Neurology (1991;48:808–811) and the Journal of Neuroimmunology (1992;40:225–230) reported low B12 levels, macrocytosis, and elevated homocysteine in MS patients. While B12 deficiency is not considered a cause of MS, it may act as an aggravating factor and is reasonable to evaluate and correct when present.
