What is needed to keep persons with multiple sclerosis vitamin D-sufficient throughout the year?
J Neurol. 2012 Aug 1.
Steffensen LH, Brustad M, Kampman MT.
Department of Neurology, University Hospital of North Norway, P.O. Box 33, 9038, Tromsø, Norway, linn.hofsoy.steffensen at unn.no.
Vitamin D sufficiency has been associated with lower risk of multiple sclerosis and may also have a favorable effect on the course of the disease.
The aim of this work was to identify predictors of serum 25-hydroxy vitamin D (25[OH]D) levels in persons with multiple sclerosis (MS) and to assess the effect of high-dose vitamin D(3) supplementation on vitamin D status.
A 96-week randomized controlled trial was performed to assess the effect of supplementation with 20,000 IU of vitamin D(3) weekly on bone mineral density in 68 patients. We collected data on vitamin D intake and UV-exposure and repeatedly measured serum 25(OH)D levels.
Half of the participants had sufficient winter vitamin D levels at baseline (?50 nmol/l). Vitamin D status was predicted by sun exposure during the last 3 months and by ingested vitamin D from diet and supplements. In the placebo group, the proportion of the participants with sufficient levels increased from 55 % in winter to 92 % during the summer.
In the intervention group, all participants had winter 25(OH)D levels above 50 nmol/l at the end of the study.
MS patients who have no sun exposure and low dietary vitamin D intake during the winter months should be recommended to take vitamin D supplements to achieve serum 25(OH)D levels of at least 50 nmol/l.
PMID: 22850935
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20,000 IU weekly = 50,000 every 17 days (just put it on the calender) = 2,860 daily
Capsules are available commercially in both 20,000 and 50,000 amounts
Note: Many researchers recommend 30 nanograms and some recommend 50 nanograms
See also Vitamin D Life
- Overview MS and Vitamin D
Most agree that > 20 ng is needed to reduce MS relapses - Overview How Much vitamin D
- Pregnancy and Vitamin D
needed 6400 IU daily to get mothers to 50 nanograms - Lost cost in many forms including 20,000 and 50,000
- Is 50 ng too high, just right, or not enough
- Published Recommendations which has the following recommendation ranges