Vitamin D

There is currently no official recommended dose for Vitamin D for people with MS in NZ.

If a person with MS’s vitamin D level is less than 50 nmol/L (blood level). a supplement is recommended. If you wish wish to buy vitamin D supplements, it is recommended that a person with MS takes vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) rather than vitamin D2 (ergocalciferol), as vitamin D3 is more effective at raising levels in the body in comparison to vitamin D2.

In 2012, The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) proposed a tolerable upper intake level of 4000 IU (100 micrograms) per day for vitamin D in adults and children over 11. This is a maximum amount that most people could take without harm.

In our NZ clinic, patients are advised to take 2000 IU per day during the summer months and increase to 4000 IU per day during the winter months.

Some people with MS with a known Vitamin D3 deficiency get cholecalciferol on prescription and are usually prescribed 1.25mg (equivalent to 50,000IU) once a month. These cholecalciferol capsules contain soya oil so would be contraindicated for people with allergies to either peanuts and/or soya.

If you have any question or concerns regarding the above, please contact your primary care provider.