Reducing Your Risk of Multiple Sclerosis (MS)

by Cynthia M. Johnson, MA

MS can't be prevented, but methods are being studied. The drug interferon beta may lower the chance of a relapse or slow MS from getting worse.

Researchers are also looking at whether vitamin D has a role in MS. Some studies have found that people with low vitamin D intake had a higher risk. This is still being studied. If you are worried about your vitamin D level, talk to your doctor. Your blood can be tested. Vitamin D can be found in foods like cod liver oil, salmon, mackerel, sardines, and some milk. You can also get it from the sun. It triggers your body to make it.

References:

Goodin DS, Frohman EM, et al. Disease modifying therapies in multiple sclerosis: report of the Therapeutics and Technology Assessment Subcommittee of the American Academy of Neurology and the MS Council for Clinical Practice Guidelines. Neurology. 2002 Jan 22;58(2):169-178.

Multiple sclerosis (MS). EBSCO DynaMed Plus website. Available at: http://www.dynamed.... Updated July 23, 2018. Accessed September 26, 2018.

NINDS multiple sclerosis information page. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke website. Available at: https://www.ninds.nih.gov/Disorders/All-Disorders/Multiple-Sclerosis-Information-Page. Accessed September 27, 2018.

Nolan D, Castley A, Tshochner M, et al. Contributions of vitamin D response elements and HLA promoters to multiple sclerosis risk. Neurology. 2012;79(6):538-546.

What is MS? National Multiple Sclerosis Society website. Available at:
...(Click grey area to select URL)
Accessed September 27, 2018.

Last reviewed September 2018 by EBSCO Medical Review Board Rimas Lukas, MD
Last Updated 9/26/2018

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