Many people seek to manage their MS by complimenting their prescribed approach with supplements. It is always preferable to obtain these from our foodstuffs, as these also include fibre, minerals and other chemicals to aid good nutrition and prevent illness.
Listed below are some common supplements that pwMS use, please discuss these with you MS team, for their advice and to check if there are any contraindications with your current prescribed medication. There is little evidence to support many of these treatments and they often are not regulated. The best forms of evidence are from clinical trials, but these are lacking when it comes to supplements. Therefore we listen to anecdotal evidence from pwMS who have tried this approach.
Vitamin D:
There is evidence that Vit D assists with the absorption of Calcium to help with bone growth. It also has a role within the immune function, however this is less understood. We often recommend high dose between 3,000-4,000IU for the pwMS. We also recommend supplementing children of pwMS with Vit D, please contact your MS team for dosing advice.
Evening Primrose oil (EPO):
EPO contains essential fatty acids, these are needed for maintaining general good health. These should be part of your diet (see Diet section). There was one small trial that found that the severity of relapses were improved and pwMS`s quality of life was also enhanced.
Omega 3/Fish oils:
Should not be used in pregnancy. There is evidence that Omega 3 can boost demyelination and suppress the immune response. Some studies have reported that pwMS taking Omega 3 have reduced relapse rates and reduced progression of the disease.
Vitamin B6 &12:
Some people taking B6 feel the benefit to their energy. It is best taken in foods, such as: fish, pork, chicken, beans, bananas and other veg.
B12 is needed to maintain the function of the nervous system. Some people are deficient in B12, this can be checked via a blood test, if this is the case your Gp will suggest either regular injections or oral supplements. B12 can be found in eggs, meat, chicken, shellfish and dairy products. Some studies have shown that pwMS have lower levels of B12 than the general population.
Vitamin C/ Cranberry:
Vitamin C`s function is to help build and maintain the bodies tissues. It is found in many food sources, such as: citrus fruits, tomatoes, peppers and brassica vegetables.
PwMS have an increased risk of urinary tract infections (UTI), some people take Vit C as they think that it helps increase the acid in the urine which then helps fight the infection causing bacteria. There is slightly more evidence that Cranberry supplementation helps prevent UTI`s, rather than Vit C.
Vitamin E:
Vitamin E is important for visual and skin health. It also has antioxidant properties. Antioxidants protect your cells against free radicals: free radicals are thought to be responsible for heart disease, cancer and other disease. Antioxidants in your diet are far more effective than supplements. Foods rich in Vitamin E are: rape seed oil, almonds, peanuts, red meat and leafy vegetables
Turmeric:
Turmeric is thought to be an anti-inflammatory, therefore many pwMS use this if they have pain or swelling. There is emerging evidence that Turmeric is helpful for arthritic conditions.
Calcium:
Calcium is important for maintaining bone health. This can be found in dairy products, such as: eggs and green leafy vegetables. Some people with MS may also be at risk of osteoporosis, if this is the case your GP with arrange a DEXA scan and prescribe a combination of Calcium and Vit D together.
Zinc:
Many people take zinc to help boost the immune system and metabolic function. Zinc can be found in: chicken, red meat and breakfast cereals.
Collagen:
This is a protein that is the building blocks of your bodies: skin, muscles, bones, tendon and ligaments. For people with MS there is no contraindication with supplimenting with it, further research is needed to see if there is a benifit in mylein repair.
Supplements that may affect Disease Modifying Therapies and other medications:
Valerian:
Valerian is often used to aid sleep, however it may increase the sedating effects of Baclofen and Tizanidine.
St John’s Wort:
This is generally used as an antidepressant, it is usually well tolerated. However it can affect other medications such as: contraceptives, epilepsy medication, pain relief, DMTS and prescribed antidepressants. Please ask the advice of you MS team before taking this supplement.
Ginko Biloba:
There have been studies to investigate if Ginko is effective in improving cognitive function and fatigue, however these studies didn’t find any evidence to support this. Ginko is known to affect blood clotting, therefore it mustn’t be taken by people on blood thinning medication and people having surgery.
Further information:
Book:
Alan Bowling; Dietary Supplements and MS: A health Professional Guide