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bioRxiv · 10.1101/2020.10.16.342253

Remote testing of vitamin D levels across the UK MS population - a case control study

Vickaryous, N.·Jitlal, M.·Jacobs, B. M.·Middleton, R.·Chandran, S.·MacDougall, N. J. J.·Giovannoni, G.·Dobson, R.
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Abstract

ObjectiveThe association between vitamin D deficiency and multiple sclerosis (MS) is well described. We set out to use remote sampling to ascertain vitamin D status and vitamin D supplementation in a cross-sectional study of people with MS across the UK. MethodsPeople with MS and matched controls were recruited from across the UK. 1768 people with MS enrolled in the study; remote sampling kits were distributed to a subgroup. Dried blood spots (DBS) were used to assess serum 25(OH)D in people with MS and controls. Results1768 MS participants completed the questionnaire; 388 MS participants and 309 controls provided biological samples. Serum 25(OH)D was higher in MS than controls (median 71nmol/L vs 49nmol/L). A higher proportion of MS participants than controls supplemented (72% vs 26%, p<0.001); people with MS supplemented at higher vD doses than controls (median 1600 vs 600 IU/day, p<0.001). People with MS who did not supplement had lower serum 25(OH)D levels than non-supplementing controls (median 38 nmol/L vs 44 nmol/L). Participants engaged well with remote sampling. ConclusionsThe UK MS population have higher serum 25(OH)D than controls, mainly as a result of vitamin D supplementation. Remote sampling is a feasible way of carrying out large studies.

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Vickaryous, N., Jitlal, M., Jacobs, B. M., Middleton, R., Chandran, S., MacDougall, N. J. J., Giovannoni, G., Dobson, R.. 2020-10-16. Remote testing of vitamin D levels across the UK MS population - a case control study. https://doi.org/10.1101/2020.10.16.342253

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