I got my copy of the MSCA (Multiple Sclerosis Center of Atlanta) Spring 2012 newsletter today.

It can be viewed online at http://www.mscatl.org/file/11.Spring2012Newsletter.pdf.

There's an article about supplements and which ones people with MS should not take (it's on page 3 at the bottom left of the page).

Coenzyme Q10, Melatonin, Grape Seed Extract, Vitamin A and Vitamin C (greater than 1,000 mg/day) are a few of the supplements listed that surprised me. The reason they gave was that these have the potential to stimulate the immune system or interfere with medication.

Now I'm wondering if I should stop taking my multi-vitamin. My Neuro has never mentioned anything about these supplements. I take, in addition to a multi-vitamin, Astaxanthin 10mg. daily and Vitamin D3 10,000 IU daily. To be honest I haven't felt any different with it than I did without it but that doesn't mean it's not having some benefit.

There is also a list of supplements that interact negatively with steroids.

Wow,

I didn't know that.
Something to consider for later.

Cindy

Ha Ha Ha. Yep! And I guess they have a bridge to sell me.

For example I have researched "pine bark extract" Pycnogenol and found that it helps a damaged/poorly functioning immune system get restored or function at good efficient levels but it does not really stimulate the immune system as such.

It can stop or lessen the activity of some deadly viruses. It can help some t-cells do their "JOB" in the proper level but I have not found any evidence to indicate it "boosts" the immune system by producing things like Gamma Interferon or IL-12.

In fact Pycnogenol lowers the MMP-9 levels which lowers Myelin damage. I have posted a great about about the dammage MMP-9s do in RR MS.

They just needed stuff/pseudo info to post in their website.

They need to define/and defend what constitutes "stimulate the immune system" and give NIH-NLM (PubMed) links to allow readers to determine the validity of their "stimulate the immune system" conclusions.

jackD

I think that this is the BEST source for GREAT info on supplements.

http://www.mskcc.org/cancer-care/int...other-products

jackD

There is so much misunderstanding about supplements.

Immune stimulating substances typically are herbal. Things like Echinacea, and astragalus.

The things listed on that list are basically antioxidants, like blueberries, and strawberries etc. These scavenge free radicals in the mitochondria and PREVENT cell damage, which would include myelin.

Vit D is now recommended for MS patients!

I tend to refrain from posting here because MS is so confusing.
Now there are some early reports that MS is not really an immune issue but an inflammatory one. That is even more confusing.

So I recommend people do their homework like Jack has posted and then decide for themselves. One does not need massive doses anyway IMO of most supplements. Except for the Vit D so far. Many of us use various things on PN forum here for nerve pain and damage, with very good success. Enough with success to minimize pain, dependence on drugs, and halting of progression.

One can find pros and cons on the net about most controversial subjects, and when that happens, it is up to the individual to decide what is best for themselves.

Eggs are good for you!
Eggs are bad for you!
Eggs are ok if you have no mare than 3 per week.
Eggs are ok if you only eat the white
Eggs are good for you again! eat all you want.!
Eggs are good, but only if they are organic.
Eggs are good if they are free range.
Eggs are good, but only the yellow.

I find the information can be so confusing, and mind twisting. We just want clear, real, concise information so that we know what to feed our bodies.

its as clear as mud. The MD says CoQ10 is good for you, the MS MD said no, dont take it! Which is it? is this the egg debate all over again?

I really think that anti-supplement suggestions come from Big Pharma ultimately. Those articles tend to cluster when some legal thing is in the air, or a new drug is coming out.

Eggs are one of the highest sources of choline in the diet.

For twenty years doctors and dieticians have recommended a LOW fat diet, and for many people, this has been directly linked now to the "obesity" epidemic. (and further EFA deficiencies).

Merck who holds the patent on methylfolate, stopped selling it to OTC suppliers years ago, and held it only for RX vitamin products. The protest was very very loud. And 2 or so years ago Merck decided to sell again to the OTC trade. I guess they actually lost money! This is just one example of Big Pharma
manipulating our choices to take care of ourselves. It is estimated that 10-30% of Americans have a genetic error which prevents activating folic acid to methylfolate, and hence these people NEED methyl form in order to LIVE.

Whenever something like this comes out.....even if it's from a "trusted" source......I tend to have doubts about it. Everything isn't good for some of us. That's a given. And especially if it's a recommendation or warning from Big Pharma themselves.......I have even bigger doubts! I simply don't trust (exclusively) either side.

This thread proves(/supports) my point that all supplement users should be regulated and licensed.

Before anyone can purchase any supplement they must pass a basic test to measure their understanding of the effects and consequences of taking that item.

Only then can they be permitted to purchase that specific item.

jackD