Role of vitamin D as adjuvant therapy on multiple sclerosis: an updated systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

BACKGROUND

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is the most common demyelinating disorder affecting the central nervous system, with multiple risk factors suggested to be involved in the pathogenesis. Many studies have linked vitamin D deficiency to an increased risk of MS. This review aims to comprehensively evaluate the published randomized clinical trials (RCTs) of vitamin D supplements as add-on therapy for MS patients.

METHODS

We systematically searched the Web of Science, Scopus, PubMed, and Cochrane databases up to August 2024 for the published RCTs evaluating the use of vitamin D for MS in adults. All included studies were screened and abstracted independently by two authors. Radiological and clinical outcomes were extracted, and the meta-analysis was conducted using Review Manager 5.4.

RESULTS

Our meta-analysis, which included 21 studies with 1,903 patients (20.1% males), found that vitamin D supplementation significantly reduced expanded disability status scale scores (MD = - 0.17, p = 0.03), relapse rates (OR = 0.66, p = 0.02), and new T2 lesion formation (MD = - 0.48, p = 0.03) in patients with MS compared to controls, with minimal to no heterogeneity. However, there was no effect on the annual relapse rate (p = 0.81), timed 25-foot walk (p = 0.54), fatigue severity, or quality of life. Subgroup analysis indicated a relapse rate reduction only in those treated for more than 12 months (OR = 0.53, p = 0.003), suggesting duration-dependent benefits of vitamin D.

CONCLUSIONS

Vitamin D supplementation produces statistically significant-yet clinically modest-reductions in disability progression, relapses, and new T2-lesion formation without demonstrable effects on fatigue or quality of life. Accordingly, it should be considered a potentially helpful adjunct pending more definitive evidence. Larger, dose-stratified trials powered for clinically meaningful endpoints are still needed before vitamin D can be endorsed as an efficacy-proven disease-modifying therapy.