The efficacy of vitamin D in multiple sclerosis: A meta-analysis
Zheng C, et al
Published in Multiple Sclerosis and Related Disorders
Methodology
Systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials identified in PubMed, EMBASE and the Cochrane databases in October 2017; outcomes analysed were Expanded Disability Status Scale score and annual relapse rate.
Key Findings
This meta-analysis of randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials found in PubMed, EMBASE and the Cochrane databases to October 2017 assessed vitamin D3 as an add-on treatment in multiple sclerosis. There was no significant effect on disability measured by the Expanded Disability Status Scale (mean difference -0.01, 95% CI -0.34 to 0.33). The annual relapse rate was slightly higher in the vitamin D group than in placebo (mean difference 0.05, 95% CI 0.01 to 0.1). The authors conclude vitamin D appeared to have no therapeutic effect on either outcome.
Conclusions
Vitamin D appeared to have no therapeutic effect on EDSS score or annualised relapse rate in patients with MS.
Limitations
Based on a small set of add-on trials with differing doses, durations and background therapies; the marginally higher relapse rate has a confidence interval close to zero and should not be read as evidence of harm.
Supplements Studied
Our findings suggest that vitamin D appeared to have no therapeutic effect on EDSS score or ARR in the patients with MS.
Related Health Concerns
Study Details
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