Vitamin D and multiple sclerosis—from epidemiology to prevention

Abstract

In the present review, we discuss observational and experimental data suggesting a protective effect from sun exposure and/or vitamin D in multiple sclerosis (MS). These data include geographic variations in MS occurrence, temporal trends, genetics, biobank, and questionnaire data. We look more closely at the differentiation between general effects from UV exposure, and those of vitamin D per se, including plausible mechanisms of action. Finally, primary prevention is touched upon, and we suggest actions to be taken while awaiting the results from ongoing randomized controlled trials with vitamin D in MS.

Keywords: epidemiology; multiple sclerosis; prevention; vitamin D.