In Brief | Neurology & Neurosurgery
High-dose Vitamin D3 significantly reduces disease activity in early Multiple Sclerosis: New trial findings
Time to read: 01:33
Time to listen: 03:23
Originally Published: 24 August 2024
Sourced: ECTRIMS
Type of article: In Brief
MedED Catalogue Reference: MNIB002
Category: Neurology
Cross Reference: Multiple Sclerosis
Keywords: multiple sclerosis, MS, Choleciferol
Originally presented at ECTRIMS 2024.This summary does not represent the original research, nor is it intended to replace the original research. Access the full Disclaimer Information
In a recent randomized, double-blind trial presented at the European Committee for Treatment and Research in Multiple Sclerosis (ECTRIMS) 2024, high-dose oral vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) supplementation demonstrated significant benefits for patients with clinically isolated syndrome (CIS), a precursor to multiple sclerosis (MS).
The primary outcome measure was the occurrence of disease activity—indicated by relapse or new T2 lesions on MRI scans performed at 3, 12, and 24 months—compared to the reference MRI performed at inclusion.
The participants, predominantly female with a median age of 34, were randomly assigned to receive either high-dose vitamin D3 (100,000 IU every two weeks) or a placebo over 24 months.
The following results were recorded:
- Results showed a substantial reduction in disease activity in the vitamin D group compared to placebo
- Specifically, 60.3% of the vitamin D group exhibited evidence of disease activity versus 74.1% in the placebo group (HR 0.66, p = .004), with a significantly extended median time to disease activity onset (432 days vs. 224 days, p = .003)
- While primary outcome measures favoured vitamin D, secondary analyses revealed no significant differences in relapse rates, annual EDSS progression, or patient-reported quality of life metrics, including fatigue and anxiety
- Safety data were favourable, with 95% trial completion and no severe adverse events indicating hypercalcemia or drug-related toxicity
- This effect size, similar to that seen with some established therapies, highlights vitamin D’s potential as an effective adjunct treatment in early MS
The researchers concluded that 100,000 IU of oral cholecalciferol administered biweekly significantly reduces evidence of disease activity in patients with CIS. Combined with its favourable safety profile, these findings support high-dose vitamin D supplementation as a viable adjunctive option in early MS management.
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