Vitamins for MS

According to the Mayo Clicnic, multiple sclerosis, or MS, is an autoimmune disease that has unknown causes. The disease effects the nervous system by interfering with communication between the brain. In addition, MS can also disrupt other parts of the body that limit a person's ability to speak, walk or write. Some people have mild symptoms while others have severe issues with the disease. Every person is different.

Benefits

• According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, calcium and vitamin D and a basic multivitamin supplement are very beneficial for people with MS. These vitamins boost the immune system lessening the effects of the disease. In addition they suggest that MS patients include omega-3 fatty acids in their diet. Omega-3 fats are healthy fats that reduce inflammation in the body. B-vitamins are also very good for nervous system health.

Functions

• Vitamin D has been shown to be helpful with reducing the risk of weakness and pain from arthritis and autoimmune diseases such as MS, per the Mayo Clinic. Vitamins are needed to help maintain and repair all tissues within the body. The primary function of vitamins is to feed the cells nourishment so that they can do their job. People with health conditions are weaker due to the effects of the disease on the body. Vitamins C and D are helpful because these two vitamins boost the immune system.

Types of Vitamins

• According to a study conducted at the University of Oxford, vitamin D may cut MS risk in some people. There are several different types of vitamins available such as whole-food, synthetic and liquid vitamins. Liquid vitamins are easier for the body to absorb because they bypass the digestive process. Whole food vitamins are also easy for the body to utilize because these vitamins are made from food. Synthetic vitamins are chemically created in a lab. In addition, the vitamin D council says that vitamin D works best when taken with other vitamins and minerals such as calcium, so taking vitamins together is beneficial because they strengthen each other.

Considerations

• A study conducted at Oxford University also shows that pregnant women who had a vitamin D deficiency during their pregnancy may increase the risk of having offspring with MS later in life. According to the Mayo Clinic, there are a few things you should consider when taking vitamins. Be sure to talk to your doctor and evaluate the reasons for taking supplements. It is also helpful to drink eight to 10 glasses of pure water each day. Water is the transport system for vitamins. Water carries nutrients to our cells and flushes waste away.

Expert Insight

• Dr. Mary Dan Eades, medical director of the Arkansas Center for Health and Weight Control in Little Rock, recommends that MS patients take a minimum of 500 mg of vitamin C two to four times each day, in addition to 100 mg of selenium and 800 IU of vitamin E once per day.