Vitamin D also significantly helps standard Multiple Sclerosis Therapy - meta-analysis

Vitamin D for multiple sclerosis as an adjuvant therapy: A network meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Clin Nutr 2026 May 26:62:106692. doi: 10.1016/j.clnu.2026.106692 PDF behind paywall

Yuheng Zhuang 1, Jiahao Meng 2, Xingui Dai 3, Miao He 4, Pan Liu 2, Shuguang Gao 5

Background and aims: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic autoimmune disorder of the central nervous system, with limited effective adjuvant therapies beyond immunomodulatory agents. Vitamin D supplementation has been proposed as a potential adjunct treatment due to its immunomodulatory properties. We aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of vitamin D supplementation as an adjuvant therapy for patients with MS.

Methods: We conducted a network meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials comparing vitamin D supplementation (any form or dose) plus standard care versus standard care alone or with placebo in adults with MS. We searched PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), and clinical trial registries from inception to January 31, 2026. We performed frequentist random-effects network meta-analyses and used the GRADE framework to assess the certainty of evidence.

Results: An analysis of 32 RCTs involving 2254 MS patients showed that compared with placebo, Long-term follow-up vitamin D intervention significantly reduced relapse risk (RR 0.80), improved EDSS scores (MD -0.22). Network meta-analysis revealed high-dose long-duration vitamin D supplementation was the most effective for EDSS scores (MD -0.28; 95% CI -0.54 to -0.03) and relapse (RR 0.76; 95% CI 0.59 to 0.98) compared with placebo. Mid-dose long-duration supplementation showed favorable effects on ARR. For safety, no significant difference in SAEs was observed (RR 1.49; 95% CI 0.94 to 2.37).

Conclusion: Vitamin D supplementation as an adjuvant therapy may reduce relapse and disability progression, with a favorable safety profile. These findings support the consideration of vitamin D supplementation in MS management, particularly in deficient populations.

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Vitamin D, by itself, treats MS

• Multiple Sclerosis: 10 percent fewer relapses for each 10 ng higher level of vitamin D – Meta-analysis
• Multiple Sclerosis treated when use high doses of vitamin D – meta-analysis
• Multiple Sclerosis: number needed to treat with vitamin D may be as low as 1.3 – Meta-analysis
• Vitamin D fights Multiple Sclerosis, Autoimmune, etc. - Dr. Coimbra video and transcript
• Coimbra Protocol (using Vitamin D) is safe and effective for Multiple Sclerosis and Autoimmune diseases
• Coimbra protocol using high-dose Vitamin D is safe
• COVID-19 and high-dose Vitamin D - Video interview of Dr. Coimbra

Vitamin D Receptor

• Multiple Sclerosis: is strongly related to poor Vitamin D receptors – umbrella review
• Multiple Sclerosis and Vitamin D Receptor Activators: Omega-3, Curcumin, Resveratrol, etc.
• Multiple sclerosis (relapsing-remitting) decreases activation of Vitamin D Receptor by 6.6 X