Vitamin D and multiple sclerosis.
BACKGROUND
Epidemiological data support a potential relationship between vitamin D deficiency and an increased risk of developing multiple sclerosis (MS). In vitro studies have expanded the potential role of vitamin D and its receptor beyond calcium modulation, regulation, and maintenance of bone mineralization, to include immune modulation.


RESULTS
Whether vitamin D immunomodulatory effects can be translated into clinical benefits in MS patients is still a matter of debate. A review of the biochemistry of vitamin D and its synthesized derivatives is discussed in the context of treating vitamin D deficiency. Animal studies, which led to some human studies, are also discussed. Future studies are pending and will likely yield conclusive results as to the benefit and possible synergistic effects of vitamin D with other disease-modifying therapies of MS.


CONCLUSIONS
Further prospective studies are needed to identify vitamin D levels during the various phases of MS, including relapses, remissions and progression, and to determine whether correcting vitamin D during any or all of these phases may affect the incidence or even the course of the disease.
Jacobs Neurological Institute, Buffalo, NY 14203, USA. bweinstock-guttman@kaleidahealth.org
Bianca
B
Weinstock-Guttman
Bijal K
BK
Mehta
Murali
M
Ramanathan
Yuval
Y
Karmon
Lily Jung
LJ
Henson
June
J
Halper
Peter
P
Riskind
D000818:Animals; D006801:Humans; D009103:Multiple Sclerosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology / Q000378:metabolism; D014807:Vitamin D / Q000378:metabolism*; D014808:Vitamin D Deficiency / Q000150:complications
D014807:Vitamin D