People with higher vitamin D intake and higher blood vitamin D levels less likely to develop MS1according to the 2018 review Neurology and therapy. Specifically, women who consumed approximately 700 IU of vitamin D daily had a 33% lower incidence of MS compared to those who consumed less vitamin D per day.

To put this sum into perspective, 93%2 up to 100% of the US population does not consume even 400 IU per day. Evidence suggests that 5,000 IU of vitamin D3 daily is the average amount needed to achieve and maintain truly optimal vitamin D levels. [i.e., 25(OH)D serum levels of 50 ng/ml or higher].

Research shows that vitamin D deficiency is also extremely common in the multiple sclerosis population. One small study of 149 MS patients was published in EPMA Journal in 2019 found that 90% had vitamin D3 deficiency. This is significantly higher than the adult population of the United States (of which 29% have vitamin D4 deficiency).

While clinical sufficiency is defined as 30 ng/mL or higher, endocrinologists and other leading health experts suggest that 50 ng/mL is the threshold for true sufficiency, and disease prevention studies show that higher levels of 25(OH)D is much more useful. to reduce the risk of disease, including MS.

In fact, a JAMA A study evaluating more than seven million US military personnel found that those with vitamin D levels above 40 ng/ml were 62% less likely5 develop multiple sclerosis.

The science is clear: vitamin D deficiency is extremely common in MS patients; maintaining a healthy level of vitamin D can help reduce the risk of developing MS.