Multiple sclerosis is an autoimmune disease. Immune cells attack the nerve fibers and destroy the myelin sheath. This is an insulating protective layer that ensures rapid signal transmission. Nerve cells in the spinal cord and brain are damaged by chronic inflammation.
Typical symptoms of multiple sclerosis are:
- Concentration and memory disorders
- Tingling and numbness
- Coordination disorders and unsteady gait
- Chronic fatigue
- Muscle cramps
The causes of multiple sclerosis are not well understood. Certain viral infections, vitamin D deficiency, smoking, obesity and a disturbed intestinal flora seem to promote multiple sclerosis
Treatment primarily involves anti-inflammatory drugs to control the inflammatory reactions.
Micronutrients can support the treatment of multiple sclerosis.
Vitamin D
Vitamin D regulates the immune system and can thus counteract inflammation. Vitamin D deficiency is linked to the progression of MS: the poorer the vitamin D supply, the faster the disease progresses. [1]
Omega-3 fatty acids
Omega-3 fatty acids are useful for multiple sclerosis for several reasons. Firstly, they have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. They are also part of the myelin sheath and have a nerve-protecting effect. [2]
Antioxidants: Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Zinc, Selenium
People with multiple sclerosis often have elevated markers for oxidative stress. At the same time, they are often not supplied with enough antioxidants. In particular, fat-soluble vitamins with antioxidant effects such as vitamin A and vitamin E are easily lacking.
Vitamin C , vitamin E, zinc and selenium are important antioxidants in the body. Zinc also has important functions in the nervous system. For example, it is needed to maintain the myelin sheath. [3]
Coenzyme Q10
Coenzyme Q10 has important functions in energy metabolism. It is needed for energy production in the mitochondria – the power plants of our cells. [4]
Coenzyme Q10 is also an antioxidant, which can counteract oxidative stress.
Mitochondria appear to play an important role in multiple sclerosis: they are often faulty and do not function optimally. This contributes to exhaustion. Coenzyme Q10 levels are often too low in multiple sclerosis. Conversely, studies suggest that taking coenzyme Q10 could actually alleviate symptoms.
L-carnitine is also essential for mitochondrial function. Patients with multiple sclerosis often have low L-carnitine levels. However, the data available here is not as good as for coenzyme Q10.
B vitamins
B vitamins are also known as nerve vitamins because they perform many important functions in the nervous system. Vitamin B12, for example, is essential for maintaining myelin.
In addition, B vitamins are needed to break down homocysteine . Homocysteine is a toxic metabolic product. If there is a lack of B vitamins, the homocysteine level rises. Vitamin B6, folic acid (vitamin B9) and vitamin B12 are particularly important here. Homocysteine promotes inflammation and can damage the nervous system.
In patients with multiple sclerosis, homocysteine levels are often elevated and folic acid and vitamin B12 are often deficient. [5]
magnesium
Magnesium is important for the muscles and promotes their relaxation. Magnesium also has important functions in energy metabolism. Studies suggest that magnesium in combination with vitamin D and calcium could counteract the progression of multiple sclerosis. [6]
Alpha-lipoic acid
Alpha-lipoic acid is an effective antioxidant and also has anti-inflammatory effects. In addition, alpha-lipoic acid has a nerve-protective effect and can promote nerve regeneration. [7]
In multiple sclerosis, alpha-lipoic acid can lower inflammatory markers.
Probiotics
A healthy intestinal flora is very important for the intestines. A good ratio between "good" and harmful bacteria also helps to counteract inflammation. In a small study, taking probiotics in multiple sclerosis was able to reduce inflammation levels. [8] However, more research is needed here.
Conclusion: Antioxidants are promising in multiple sclerosis
Oxidative stress and inflammation contribute to the development and progression of multiple sclerosis. A good supply of anti-inflammatory nutrients and antioxidants is likely to be helpful in multiple sclerosis. Sufferers should also ensure they have an adequate supply of nutrients that are important for nerve function.
TO THE PRODUCTS
[1] https://www.cochranelibrary.com/cdsr/doi/10.1002/14651858.CD008422.pub3/full
[2] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/7860710
[3] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4904428/
[4] https://www.semanticscholar.org/paper/Coenzyme-Q10-in-the-Treatment-of-Mitochondrial-Neergheen-Chalasani/fe646f7790e1beb346019a9219c3a5ffd99d1047?p2df
[5] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4904428/
[6] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/3537648/
