Multiple sclerosis and high-dose vitamin D | High-dose vitamin D – when useful, when dangerous?

Multiple sclerosis and high-dose vitamin D

In this context, the Coimbra Protocol has already been discussed by the experts of the German Multiple Sclerosis Society. They are of the opinion that the study situation is not sufficient for a therapeutic implementation and that further controlled studies must follow. In this context, it is important to note that such an ultra-high-dose therapy should not be undertaken on its own.

Only in this way can vitamin D poisoning – even if it is rare – be avoided. The study situation in MS and vitamin D is contradictory. In animal experiments partly even an increased disease activity could be observed, if durably high-dose Vitamin D was given.

In contrast to this, however, there is a large-scale study from the year 2016, the findings of which should not be underestimated. Study participants with multiple sclerosis who received 14,000 i. E. Vitamin D per day, had to fight with 0,28 thrusts per year clearly less with the disease activity than the control group with 0,41 thrusts per year. Furthermore, it was observed that injuries typical for multiple sclerosis (here referred to as MRI lesions) were significantly lower in the vitamin D group than in the control group. High-dose vitamin D could therefore have a protective effect in MS.

Can you get poisoned with vitamin D?

Yes, this is possible – but very rare. Cases have been reported in which the elderly have suffered kidney failure and calcium overdose due to a severe overdose (10,000 or 50,000 IU per day). An affected 60-year-old man has subsequently developed chronic kidney weakness and is now required to undergo dialysis. Yes, such cases rarely occur, but the secondary diseases are nevertheless undoubtedly due to too high a dose of vitamin D. And the increased attention paid to vitamin D is also accompanied by a higher number of people taking vitamin D – which means that the number of poisonings is also potentially increasing. A so-called Vitamin D toxicity is then accompanied by various symptoms, including : nausea & vomiting abdominal pain confusion frequent urination constant thirst dehydration

  • Nausea & vomiting
  • Abdominal pain
  • Confusion
  • Frequent urination
  • Constant thirst
  • Dehydration

Read next article in this series:

All articles in this series:

  1. High-dose vitamin D – when useful, when dangerous?
  2. Cardiovascular diseases and high-dose vitamin D
  3. Multiple sclerosis and high-dose vitamin D
  4. Vitamin D – high-dose supplementation or not?