OPTIMIZING VITAMIN D LEVELS IN PATIENTS WITH MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS

Abstract

Background: Emerging research suggests that vitamin D plays animportant role beyond bone health, particularly in immune function and may beimportant in people with Multiple Sclerosis (MS). MS clinic physicians in Calgary, Alberta believe that patients should have at least minimallysufficient ( > 80nmol/L) serum 25(OH)D levels to maintain adequate bone health. Involving patients in the assessment and management of their ownvitamin D needs may be effective and more efficient than having clinicians track levels.

Objectives: Determine the prevalence of vitamin D insufficiency and the feasibility of using different management methods to optimize serum25(OH)D levels.

Methods: 213 patients who attended the Calgary MS Clinicbetween September 2006 and January 2007 participated in this study. Eachpatient agreed to have serum 25(OH)D levels measured, and to adjust theirvitamin D dose according to an algorithm that they would follow or that would be used by a graduate student to recommend dose changes at baseline, 3- and 6-months.

Results: Mean age was 45.6 years (range 21-72); 78.9% werewomen. Mean EDSS was 3.2 (range 0-8.5). Mean baseline serum level was 72.8nmol/L (SD 26.8) (range 17.9-160.0); 62.4% had levels < 80 nmol/L. 60.6% of subjects were taking at least 1000 IU.

Conclusions: We found a high prevalence of vitamin D insufficiency despite a sizeable proportion taking at least 1000 IU of vitamin D3 daily. Six month data, including adherence to the study protocol and proportion ofparticipants with optimized 25(OH)D levels will be presented. Insight into themanagement of dosing for patients could have an impact on the integration ofvitamin D optimization into the MS population.