Immunoregulatory effects and therapeutic potential of Vitamin D in multiple sclerosis.

Initially recognised as an important factor for bone health, Vitamin D is now known to have a range of effects on the immune system. Vitamin D deficiency is associated with an increased risk of multiple sclerosis (MS), a chronic immune-mediated demyelinating disease of the central nervous system (CNS). In this Review, we explore the links between vitamin D deficiency, MS risk and disease activity. We also discuss the known immune effects of vitamin D supplementation and the relevance of these observations to the immunopathology of MS. Finally, we review the existing evidence for vitamin D supplementation as an MS therapy, highlighting several recent clinical studies and trials.