Multiple sclerosis is an illness in which the myelin sheaths around the nerves of the brain and spinal cord are damaged, affecting the ability of nerve cells to communicate with each other. A wide range of clinical presentations and neurological symptoms can occur with the disease, and these can progress to physical and cognitive disability often with a variable clinical course. Although very little is known about the mechanism and causes of this disease genetic, immunologic and environmental factors have all been implicated. Studies have shown a characteristic geographical pattern of disease distribution both in occurrence and progression, which appear to be correlated with sun light exposure and lack of vitamin D and are considered to be predisposing factors for MS. Vitamin D deficiency is said to affect the general well being of patients with MS and is also associated with poorer neurologic outcomes. People suffering with MS are usually given regular vitamin D preparations after assessment of their serum levels of vitamin D.This review sought to evaluate the benefits and harms of this Vitamin D administration to people of MS.The current level of evidence from this review is based on only one trial with potential high risk of bias, which does not at present allow confident decision-making about the use of Vitamin D in MS. The review authors suggest that until further high-level evidence is available, clinicians should continue to follow local guidelines when administering vitamin D to people with MS.However, the question of the safety and effectiveness of Vitamin D in people of MS remains unanswered.
Further research, consisting of well-designed and adequately-powered randomised controlled trials, should aim to provide reliable evidence for people to make informed decisions as to whether this treatment can be effective in the management of MS