The role of vitamin D in multiple sclerosis

Abstract

Multiple sclerosis (MS) risk is determined by environmental influences acting on the individual genetic background. Recent epidemiologic and experimental evidence supports a role of low environmental supplies of vitamin D in mediating an increased susceptibility to MS. We review available evidence suggesting that vitamin D status may influence MS risk and even modulate clinical disease activity. The level of serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D providing these effects remains to be determined.