Vitamin D and MS

Vitamin D Levels May be Predictor of MS in Children

The question about vitamin D and MS has been around for quite a while. Researchers have found that if you have lower levels of vitamin D, you may be at a higher risk of developing multiple sclerosis. When it comes to children, this can hopefully show if your child is at risk. And possibly you can do something about it - earlier rather than later.

The studies that show MS is more likely to occur in people who live farther away from the equator, makes sense. Vitamin D is sometimes called the "sunshine vitamin". Your body makes it when you are out in the sun.

Ultraviolet rays from the sun hit your skin and vitamin D synthesis begins. Researchers have also linked this vitamin with your immune system.

So, the farther away from the equator you live, the less sun you will get. The less vitamin D your body (or your child's) will be able to make. The lower the levels of D available in your body.

Vitamin D and MS

A first demyelinating event or an attack of symptoms like optical neuritis, unexplained tingling, or tickling points to the nervous system. These events signal that there may be problems with your central nervous system or CNS. Twenty-five percent of children who have an event like this will go on to eventually develop multiple sclerosis later in life.

Is There a Missing Link Between Vitamin D and MS?

The connection between vitamin D and multiple sclerosis (MS) has been a topic of growing interest among researchers. While MS is an autoimmune disease that affects the central nervous system, studies suggest that low vitamin D levels may play a role in increasing the risk of developing MS and even influencing disease progression.

Vitamin D Levels and MS Risk in Children

One particularly interesting study measured vitamin D levels in children who had experienced a demyelinating event—a condition where the protective myelin sheath around nerves is damaged. Researchers found that children who later developed MS had significantly lower vitamin D levels compared to those who did not.

This raises an important question: Could maintaining adequate vitamin D levels help lower the risk of developing MS?

While more studies are needed to confirm this link, researchers are actively exploring whether vitamin D supplementation could serve as a preventative measure for those at higher risk for developing MS.

The Role of Vitamin D in MS Prevention and Management

Vitamin D plays a critical role in immune system regulation, and its deficiency has been linked to increased inflammation—a key factor in MS progression. Some studies suggest that:

• Higher vitamin D levels may reduce the risk of developing MS.
• Vitamin D supplementation could help modulate immune responses, potentially slowing disease progression.
• People with MS who take vitamin D may experience fewer relapses and milder symptoms.

However, while vitamin D appears to have protective effects, researchers caution that more evidence is needed before making definitive recommendations.

Sunlight Exposure and MS Rates

One of the most compelling observations about vitamin D and MS is the geographical connection.

• Regions with more sunlight exposure tend to have lower MS rates.
• Areas farther from the equator, where sunlight is less intense, have higher MS prevalence.

This suggests that natural sunlight exposure, which helps the body produce vitamin D, may play a role in reducing MS risk.

Unfortunately, in today’s society, children and young adults spend less time outdoors than previous generations, leading to lower vitamin D levels overall.

Taking Action: Monitoring and Supplementing Vitamin D

Given the potential link between vitamin D and MS, it may be beneficial to:

• Monitor vitamin D levels regularly through blood tests.
• Increase safe sun exposure to boost natural vitamin D production.
• Consider vitamin D supplements, especially for those at risk or already diagnosed with MS.

We strongly encourage our children—even though they are no longer young—to take extra vitamin D and ensure they are getting adequate levels to support their health.

While vitamin D isn’t a cure for MS, maintaining healthy levels may be a simple yet effective way to support immune function and overall well-being.

Recent Clinical Studies on Vitamin D and MS1. High-Dose Vitamin D in Early MS (D-Lay MS Trial)

A 2025 randomized clinical trial examined the effects of high-dose vitamin D (100,000 IU every two weeks) in patients with clinically isolated syndrome (CIS)—the first episode of MS-like symptoms. Findings showed:

2. Vitamin D as an Add-On Therapy for MS

• 60.3% of participants on vitamin D had reduced disease activity, compared to 74.1% in the placebo group.
• High-dose vitamin D significantly lowered the risk of developing full MS.

Another study explored vitamin D supplementation alongside standard MS treatments. Results suggested:

• Higher vitamin D levels were linked to fewer relapses.
• Patients with progressive MS showed slower disease progression when maintaining optimal vitamin D levels.

While these findings are promising, researchers emphasize that vitamin D should not replace disease-modifying therapies (DMTs) but may serve as a complementary treatment.

Should You Take Vitamin D for MS?

Vitamin D plays a role in immune regulation, and maintaining adequate levels may help reduce MS symptoms and disease activity.

If you’re considering vitamin D supplementation, it’s important to:

• Monitor blood levels regularly.
• Consult your neurologist before taking high doses.
• Balance sun exposure, diet, and supplements for optimal health.

You can find more details on recent clinical studies here. (Link will open in a new window).

Get Your Sunshine in Summer

Sunny days are in short supply here where we live. We recently found out that of the 365 days in the year, only about 50 are bright, sunny, clear days. We weren't too surprised about this. We often wish there were more sunny days.

We do try to take walks or at least sit out on the balcony whenever the weather is nice. During the summer, we like spending as many days at the zoo as we can. 

Hopefully our children and granddaughters won't ever have to live with this devastating disease. Hopefully the relationship between vitamin D and MS (or should I say, not getting MS), will be the key.

We hope that the cause of MS will soon be discovered and all of the puzzle pieces to this mystery will be put into place. No one should ever have to live life with multiple sclerosis or any other autoimmune or chronic disease.

The more research is done into the link between vitamin D and MS, the better. Get to work guys!

Is there another source of vitamin D?

 Go here to find out where and how to get vitamin D.

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