Research: keeping vitamin D replete

Epub: Steffensen LH, Brustad M, Kampman MT. What is needed to keep persons with multiple sclerosis vitamin D-sufficient throughout the year? J Neurol. 2012 Aug.

Vitamin D sufficiency has been associated with lower risk of MS 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 MSers 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 MSers. They 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. MSers 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 50nmol/l.


 
"This is why we recommend you take 5,000IU per day!"

"Dou you remember to take your medication? Are your children, siblings, partners, etc. taking vD supplements? If not spread the word."

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