Vitamins, Minerals & Herbs in MS - National Multiple Sclerosis Society

Vitamins, Minerals & Herbs in MS

AN INTRODUCTION

Eric (front cover), diagnosed in 1951.

Vitamins, Minerals & Herbs in MS

AN INTRODUCTION

BY: A LLEN BOW LING, MD, PHD

Allen Bowling, MD, PhD, is Physician Associate at the Colorado Neurological Institute (CNI) and Clinical Professor of Neurology at the University of Colorado.

This publication is supported by contributions to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society from its members and friends.

? 2018 NATIONAL MS SOCIETY. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

Introduction

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a highly unpredictable disease of the central nervous system that commonly causes relapses of neurological symptoms and worsening of symptoms over time. Disease modifying therapies (DMT's), approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), can modify the MS disease process and slow worsening. However, despite the use of DMT's, many people experience symptoms that interfere with daily activities. Many people take supplements in an effort to reduce symptom severity--and with the hope of potentially impacting the MS process.

There is considerable popular literature suggesting benefits of many supplements for MS and this booklet provides information on the potential benefits as well as the known risks of commonly used vitamins, minerals and herbs.

Dietary supplements, such as those discussed in this booklet, are not studied with the same rigor as FDA approved medicines for MS and sometimes little is known about risks and possible benefits. It is important to always discuss any supplements you are taking or are considering with your MS provider.

For additional information on supplements and other complementary treatments, see the reference section on page 23.

1 | Vitamins, Minerals & Herbs in MS

General Information for Evaluating Supplements

To weigh the pros and cons of dietary supplements fairly requires a basic understanding of the role of the immune system in MS. Thoughtful supplementation also requires an understanding of evidence about safety and effectiveness, dosing issues, and the law relating to supplements.

Impact of MS on the Immune System: In MS, the immune system actively damages myelin (the protective covering of nerves) in the brain and spinal cord (the central nervous system). Most treatments for MS involve the attempt to down-regulate the immune system.

The details of the immune system are very complex, but in general it may be best to assume that in MS, immune stimulation may be dangerous and immune down-regulation may be beneficial. Accordingly, supplements that are supposed to "boost" or "improve" immune function may be the worst choice for people with MS.

Unfortunately, the immune effects of many supplements are poorly understood. Often the use of supplements requires users to make reasonable inferences based on limited evidence. However, inferences may seem reasonable and still be incorrect.

Evidence of Effectiveness, Safety and Risks: In addition to adverse immune system effects in MS, supplements may provoke MS symptoms, interact with common MS medications, or have serious side effects. More than 200

National MS Society | 2

 ................
................

In order to avoid copyright disputes, this page is only a partial summary.

Google Online Preview   Download