A Complete Literature Survey: Vitamin D and Multiple Sclerosis – What is Clearly Evident?

REVIEW ARTICLE


Irfan Rafique and Jette Lautrup Frederiksen

Affiliation: Department of Neurology, Glostrup Hospital, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark

ABSTRACT

An increase in the number of multiple sclerosis (MS) cases is seen with increasing distance from the equator. This has directed attention toward vitamin D, which is synthesized in our skin with the help of sunlight. Thus the following questions are raised: Is the level of serum vitamin D associated to MS? Is there any difference in the risk of MS depending on whether vitamin D is formed by sun exposure or consumed through diet? Is the impact of vitamin D on MS genetically correlated? Is it possible to treat MS with vitamin D? Fifty-two articles found on the Internet by peer-reviewed databases, primarily PubMed, form the basis of this complete literature survey. Eight of nine examinations showed significant connection of low concentrations of vitamin D in the serum and MS. Exposure to sun during both childhood and puberty is of significance to the development of MS, whereas vitamin D consumed in diet is not decisive. The fact that there is coherence between vitamin D receptor gene polymorphism and MS is not unambiguous, since several investigations have showed conflicting results. As a result of limitations in trials we are not able to conclude whether vitamin D should be used as treatment.

Keywords: multiple sclerosis, 25 (OH)D, vitamin D 1,25 (OH)D, vitamin D receptor genes, vitamin supplements, sunlight
Correspondence: Irfan Rafique, Medical Student;. Tel: + 45 43 233 041; Fax: + 45 43 233 92; e-mail: xlz855@alumni.ku.dk