Vitamin D supplements and MS: what you need to know
- carolineblake-syme
- May 9
- 3 min read
Adapted from overcomingms.org/program/sunlight-vitamin-d
The Brightwell has been developing relationships with Overcoming MS and we hope you find this article useful.
There is strong evidence that vitamin D levels influence both the risk of developing MS and how the condition progresses.
Overcoming MS recommends that people with MS supplement with between 4,000 and 10,000 units of vitamin D per day. To ensure the right dosage for your individual needs, they advise working with a healthcare practitioner to test your vitamin D levels and develop a personalised supplementation plan. Factors such as sun exposure, season, and location can all influence how much vitamin D you need.
Vitamin D and MS: the evidence
Vitamin D plays a crucial role in MS, and research continues to highlight its impact on disease progression and overall health. Here’s what the latest evidence tells us:
Higher vitamin D levels at diagnosis are linked to slower disease progression and fewer symptoms.
Maintaining good vitamin D levels is associated with a lower risk of new brain lesions.
Low vitamin D levels are associated with a higher risk of relapses, greater disability, and more disease activity.
Extremely low vitamin D levels (below 50 nmol/L) may double the risk of developing MS.
How much vitamin D should people with MS take?
Maintaining healthy vitamin D levels is essential for people with MS, and experts widely agree on its importance.
In many parts of the world, sunlight is too scarce, or UVB levels are too low to produce enough vitamin D naturally, making supplementation necessary. In fact, an estimated one billion people worldwide are vitamin D deficient. Standard recommended daily intakes (RDIs) don’t account for the specific needs of people with MS, who often require higher doses to reach and maintain adequate levels.
Overcoming MS recommends testing your vitamin D levels as soon as possible after diagnosis. This can be done through a general practitioner or an online testing kit.
If levels are very low, a one-off megadose of vitamin D3 (eg, 600,000 units under medical supervision) may be used to quickly restore levels, followed by regular daily supplementation.
General recommendations:
A healthy vitamin D level is thought to be between 100–150 nmol/L.
There is no single ‘good for everyone’ dose, but common recommendations include:
4,000 units per day – a common amount recommended by UK neurologists.
6,000–10,000 units per day – may be needed to maintain optimal levels.
It’s always best to work with your doctor to test your vitamin D levels regularly and find the right dose for you.
If testing your vitamin D levels isn’t possible right now, you can still take steps to maintain healthy levels by taking a moderate daily dose and maximising safe sun exposure. Some healthcare providers, research studies, or public health initiatives offer free or discounted vitamin D testing. It’s worth checking with your GP, healthcare provider, local MS society, or pharmacy to see if any options are available.
What are the research gaps?
Research into vitamin D and MS is complex, and randomised controlled trials (RCTs) have not yet definitively proven that supplementation leads to better outcomes. Adding to the complexity, some studies show conflicting results—for example, while some suggest that higher vitamin D levels are linked to reduced relapse rates, others have not found a clear effect.
These differing findings highlight the nuanced role of vitamin D in MS. It’s also important to consider that different types of studies have their own strengths and limitations, which is why Overcoming MS review multiple sources of evidence when making their recommendations.
A Guide to Vitamin D
If you want a quick guide to understanding Vitamin D on the Overcoming MS Program you can download this one below. It delves into the key components, benefits and practical tips that can guide you on your way to making the lifestyle changes that will help you to Live Well with MS.
Comments