Multiple Sclerosis
Supplements studied for multiple sclerosis.
Overview
Vitamin A may lessen different types of fatigue in one early one-year study of multiple sclerosis. High-dose Biotin at about 300 mg daily does not improve disability or walking in progressive MS based on a large well-designed trial, despite earlier small studies suggesting benefit.
Ginkgo and Fish Oil do not appear to help cognition or reduce relapses over one to two years. Panax Ginseng capsules twice daily for three months reduced fatigue and improved quality of life in women with relapsing-remitting MS in one study. The heatmap and evidence reviews below compare these findings.
Effect graph
Relevant supplements
Relevant supplements sorted by DEX Score.
| Vitamin A | ★★★★★ | Medium |
| Caffeine | ★★★★★ | Low |
| Biotin | ★★★★★ | Low |
| Vitamin D | ★★★★★ | Very Low / None |
| Panax Ginseng | ★★★★★ | Low |
| N-Acetyl Cysteine (NAC) | ★★★★★ | Low |
| L-Carnitine | ★★★★★ | Low |
| Ginger | ★★★★★ | Low |
| Vitamin K | ★★★★★ | Low |
| Milk Thistle | ★★★★★ | Low |
| Melatonin | ★★★★★ | Very Low / None |
| Ginkgo | ★★★★★ | Very Low / None |
| Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin) | ★★★★★ | Very Low / None |
| Fish Oil | ★★★★★ | Very Low / None |
| Acetyl-L-Carnitine | ★★★★★ | Very Low / None |
Studies
Find individual evidence reviews for supplements sorted by DEX Score.
15 supplements for and rated at least stars. All purchase bands. No minimum star filter.
Vitamin AView supplement →
Reconsider purchase·★★★★★
How we scored this▸
- It is unclear if vitamin A helps reduce fatigue in people with multiple sclerosis.
- An early study found that taking high doses of vitamin A for one year helped lessen different types of fatigue better than a placebo, but more research is needed.
Browse 1 study
RCTEffect of Vitamin A Supplementation on fatigue and depression in Multiple Sclerosis patients: A Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial2016
A randomized trial in patients with depression found that 25000 IU/day for 6 months vitamin A supplementation helped during interferon therapy in the treatment process and improved psychiatric outcomes for anti-inflammatory mechanisms.
- Effect
- Benefit
- Duration
- 6 months
- Dose
- 25000 IU/day
- Population
- Patients with depression
BiotinView supplement →
Reconsider purchase·★★★★★
How we scored this▸
- Taking high doses of biotin, about 300 mg per day, has been shown not to help people with progressive multiple sclerosis (MS) improve their disability or walking ability.
- A large, well-designed study found no benefit from biotin compared to a placebo.
- Importantly, biotin does not appear to increase the risk of MS relapses.
- Earlier small studies had suggested some benefits, but the best quality research does not support the use of high-dose biotin for progressive MS.
Browse 9 studies·1 meta-analysis
MetaHigh-dose biotin for multiple sclerosis: A systematic review and meta-analyses of randomized controlled trials2021n=889
A meta-analysis of 3 RCTs (889 MS patients) found high-dose biotin (≥300 mg/day) for 12–15 months improved 25-foot walk time in progressive MS (RR 2.06) but not composite disability or EDSS; 4.7% had lab test interference.
- Effect
- Benefit
- Duration
- 12–15 months
- Dose
- 300 mg/day
- Population
- Adults
- Participants
- 889
ObservationalRelapses During High-Dose Biotin Treatment in Progressive Multiple Sclerosis: a Case-Crossover and Propensity Score-Adjusted Prospective Cohort2020
In 42 progressive MS patients on high-dose biotin, relapses were 7.4-fold more frequent after starting biotin than before (IRR 7.4); propensity-matched cohort analyses also linked biotin to higher relapse risk.
- Effect
- No Benefit
- Population
- Patients with progressive multiple sclerosis
ObservationalRelapses in Patients Treated with High-Dose Biotin for Progressive Multiple Sclerosis2020n=28
In 2,628 PMS patients followed ~17 months, high-dose biotin did not significantly increase annualized relapse rate versus matched controls (0.044 vs 0.028; p=0.18) after propensity adjustment.
- Effect
- No Benefit
- Population
- Patients with multiple sclerosis
- Participants
- 28
RCTSafety and efficacy of MD1003 (high-dose biotin) in patients with progressive multiple sclerosis (SPI2): a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, phase 3 trial2020n=326
In 642 progressive MS patients, MD1003 (100 mg biotin three times daily) for ~20 months did not significantly improve the primary composite disability endpoint (12% vs 9% improved; OR 1.35) versus placebo.
- Effect
- No Benefit
- Duration
- 12 months
- Dose
- 100 mg 3×/day
- Population
- Patients with multiple sclerosis
- Participants
- 326
- Ages
- 18–65
ObservationalHigh-dose biotin in progressive multiple sclerosis: A prospective study of 178 patients in routine clinical practice2019n=178
In 178 progressive MS patients on high-dose biotin followed 12 months in routine care, 3.8% improved EDSS, 27.6% reported subjective improvement, 2.2% had relapses, and 14% reported adverse events.
- Effect
- No Benefit
- Population
- Patients with multiple sclerosis
- Participants
- 178
- Avg age
- 52±9
Case reportTardive Reactivation of Progressive Multiple Sclerosis During Treatment with Biotin2019n=43
A case report of primary progressive MS described possible tardive inflammatory reactivation with new T2 brain lesions after 16 months of high-dose biotin (300 mg/day), alongside prior literature on paradoxical biotin effects.
- Effect
- No Benefit
- Duration
- 16 months
- Dose
- 300 mg/day
- Population
- Young adults
- Participants
- 43
RCTMD1003 (High-Dose Pharmaceutical-Grade Biotin) for the Treatment of Chronic Visual Loss Related to Optic Neuritis in Multiple Sclerosis: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study2018n=65
In 93 MS patients with chronic visual loss, 6 months of MD1003 (300 mg/day) did not significantly improve visual acuity versus placebo overall; a nonsignificant trend favored biotin in slowly progressive optic neuropathy subgroup.
- Effect
- No Benefit
- Dose
- 300 mg/day
- Population
- Adults
- Participants
- 65
- Ages
- 18–75
RCTMD1003 (high-dose biotin) for treatment of progressive multiple sclerosis: A randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled study2016n=154
In 154 progressive MS patients, 12 months of MD1003 (300 mg/day) led to confirmed disability reversal in 12.6% versus 0% on placebo (p=0.005) and reduced EDSS progression versus placebo.
- Effect
- Benefit
- Dose
- 300 mg/day
- Population
- Patients with multiple sclerosis
- Participants
- 154
- Ages
- 18–75
Clinical trialHigh doses of biotin in chronic progressive multiple sclerosis: a pilot study2015n=16
An open-label pilot in 23 progressive MS patients found high-dose biotin (100–300 mg/day) for 2–36 months improved visual acuity in 4 patients and spinal cord function in 16 of 18 with prominent spinal involvement.
- Effect
- Benefit
- Duration
- 2–36 months
- Dose
- 300 mg/day
- Population
- Patients with multiple sclerosis
- Participants
- 16
CaffeineView supplement →
Reconsider purchase·★★★★★
How we scored this▸
- Caffeine shows promising early benefits for people with multiple sclerosis (MS), especially for improving thinking skills, balance, and mobility.
- Several studies report that caffeine can help boost attention and cognitive function, while a clinical trial found it improved balance, walking ability, and quality of life in MS patients.
- Additionally, some research suggests that drinking coffee might lower the risk of developing MS.
- However, these findings are still preliminary, and more high-quality studies are needed to confirm caffeine’s effects on MS.
Browse 4 studies·1 meta-analysis
MetaCoffee consumption and risk of multiple sclerosis: A systematic review and meta-analysis2025n=19,430
A meta-analysis of 10 observational studies (19,430 participants) found coffee consumption associated with lower multiple sclerosis risk (OR 0.66 before symptom onset, 0.58 around onset), though heterogeneity was high.
- Effect
- Benefit
- Participants
- 19,430
Clinical trialPotential efficacy of caffeine ingestion on balance and mobility in patients with multiple sclerosis: Preliminary evidence from a single-arm pilot clinical trial2024
In 30 persons with MS taking 200 mg/day caffeine for 12 weeks, objective balance (Berg Balance Scale) and mobility (Timed Up and Go) improved significantly versus run-in, though self-reported walking disability did not change.
- Effect
- Benefit
- Duration
- 12 weeks
- Dose
- 200 mg/day
- Population
- MS patients
- Avg age
- 38.89±9.85
Systematic reviewThe Effects of Coffee/Caffeine in Patients with Multiple Sclerosis; A Systematic Review2024
A systematic review of 8 studies in MS patients found no consistent link between coffee/caffeine and disability, but reported associations with better cognitive outcomes; evidence remains limited and heterogeneous.
- Effect
- Benefit
- Population
- MS patients
Preliminary evidence that caffeine improves attention in multiple sclerosis2022
In MS patients after caffeine abstention, acute caffeine selectively reduced the attentional blink on an RSVP task versus decaffeinated control, suggesting improved attention under high demand without broad cognitive gains.
- Effect
- Benefit
- Population
- MS patients
GingerView supplement →
Reconsider purchase·★★★★★
How we scored this▸
- It is not clear if ginger helps people with MS.
- Some small studies found that taking ginger three times a day for three months improved disability and quality of life scores, and also reduced nausea, constipation, and bloating compared to a placebo.
- Ginger did not help with other digestive problems like stomach pain or diarrhea.
- So far, ginger has been safe, but bigger studies are needed to know if it really works.
Browse 2 studies
RCTEffect of Ginger Powder Supplementation in Patients with Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease: A Randomized Clinical Trial2020n=46
A 12-week randomized clinical trial in 46 patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) comparing ginger powder supplementation (1.5 g/day) versus placebo, finding reductions in ALT, total cholesterol, LDL-C, fasting blood glucose, HOMA-IR, hs-CRP, and fetuin-A in the ginger group.
- Duration
- 12 weeks
- Dose
- 1.5 g/day
- Population
- Adults
- Participants
- 46
RCTGinger Supplementation in Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Pilot Study2016n=44
In 44 NAFLD patients, ginger 2 g/day for 12 weeks significantly improved liver enzymes, insulin sensitivity, and hepatic steatosis markers versus placebo.
- Effect
- Benefit
- Duration
- 12 weeks
- Dose
- 2 g/day
- Population
- NAFLD patients
- Participants
- 44
L-CarnitineView supplement →
Reconsider purchase·★★★★★
How we scored this▸
- Some people with multiple sclerosis have low levels of L-carnitine in their blood, and treatments for MS can cause tiredness.
- A small study found that taking 3 to 6 grams of L-carnitine daily helped reduce some fatigue symptoms compared to no treatment.
Browse 2 studies
Controlled trialLevocarnitine administration in multiple sclerosis patients with immunosuppressive therapy-induced fatigue2006
In MS patients with low plasma carnitine, oral levocarnitine 3–6 g/day normalized carnitine levels and reduced fatigue intensity in 63% of those on immunosuppressive therapy, especially with cyclophosphamide or interferon beta.
- Effect
- Benefit
- Dose
- 6 g/day
- Population
- Multiple sclerosis patients
RCTComparison of the effects of acetyl L-carnitine and amantadine for the treatment of fatigue in multiple sclerosis: results of a pilot, randomised, double-blind, crossover trial2004
In 36 MS patients, acetyl-L-carnitine 1 g twice daily for 3 months was better tolerated and more effective than amantadine for reducing fatigue severity (p = 0.039).
- Effect
- Benefit
- Duration
- 3 months
- Dose
- 100 mg 2×/day
- Population
- Patients with depressive disorders
N-Acetyl Cysteine (NAC)View supplement →
Reconsider purchase·★★★★★
How we scored this▸
- A small study in people with multiple sclerosis (MS) found that taking N-acetylcysteine (NAC) by IV and mouth along with usual treatment for 2 months helped improve their memory and self-assessed attention.
Browse 2 studies
RCTEffects of N-acetylcysteine on oxidative stress biomarkers, depression, and anxiety symptoms in patients with multiple sclerosis2023n=21
An 8-week RCT of 21 adults found NAC (600 mg twice daily) reduced oxidative stress markers and improved depression and anxiety scores.
- Effect
- No Benefit
- Duration
- 8 weeks
- Dose
- 600 mg 2×/day
- Population
- Pregnant women
- Participants
- 21
- Ages
- 18–60
RCTN-acetyl Cysteine Administration Is Associated With Increased Cerebral Glucose Metabolism in Patients With Multiple Sclerosis: An Exploratory Study2020
An exploratory RCT found NAC (IV weekly plus daily oral) increased cerebral glucose metabolism on FDG-PET in multiple sclerosis patients over 2 months.
- Effect
- Benefit
- Duration
- 2 months
- Population
- Patients with multiple sclerosis
- Ages
- 21–80
Panax GinsengView supplement →
Reconsider purchase·★★★★★
How we scored this▸
- Taking Panax ginseng capsules twice a day for 3 months can greatly reduce tiredness and improve quality of life in women with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis.
- In a clinical study, those who took ginseng experienced much less fatigue and felt better overall compared to those who took a placebo.
- The treatment was safe and well tolerated.
Browse 2 studies
RCTEffect of ginseng on fatigue related to neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder: A double-blinded randomized controlled clinical trial2024n=64
In 64 NMOSD patients, ginseng 500 mg twice daily for 3 months significantly reduced fatigue scores (40.2 to 29.0) versus increased fatigue in the placebo group.
- Effect
- Benefit
- Duration
- 3 months
- Dose
- 1000 mg/day
- Population
- Patients with multiple sclerosis (MS)
- Participants
- 64
RCTGinseng in the treatment of fatigue in multiple sclerosis: a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind pilot study2013n=60
In 60 female MS patients, ginseng 250 mg twice daily for 3 months significantly reduced fatigue (MFIS, p=0.046) and improved quality of life (MSQOL, p≤0.0001) versus placebo.
- Effect
- Benefit
- Duration
- 3 months
- Dose
- 500 mg/day
- Population
- Patients with multiple sclerosis
- Participants
- 60
Vitamin DView supplement →
Reconsider purchase·★★★★★
How we scored this▸
- Low vitamin D levels increase the risk of multiple sclerosis (MS) and may lead to more active disease, especially in white people.
- Taking daily vitamin D supplements around 400 IU may lower this risk for women.
- Having enough vitamin D might reduce brain lesions seen on scans.
- However, vitamin D supplements usually don’t reduce MS relapse rates or disability once MS is diagnosed.
- Some studies show high doses of vitamin D might reduce new disease activity early on, but it’s unclear if they prevent relapses.
- Vitamin D might also help improve fatigue.
Browse 14 studies·4 meta-analyses
MetaVitamin D3 as an add-on treatment for multiple sclerosis: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials2024n=867
A meta-analysis of 9 MS RCTs (867 participants) found high-dose vitamin D3 did not reduce EDSS, annualized relapse rate, or new T2 lesions at 6–24 months.
- Effect
- No Benefit
- Duration
- 6–24 months
- Dose
- 1000 IU/day
- Population
- MS patients
- Participants
- 867
MetaEffect of Vitamin D Supplementation on Fatigue in Multiple Sclerosis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis2023n=345
A meta-analysis of 5 RCTs (345 MS patients) found vitamin D supplementation significantly reduced fatigue (−0.18 SMD) compared with control.
- Effect
- Benefit
- Population
- Adults
- Participants
- 345
- Ages
- 25–41
ObservationalRadiological Benefits of Vitamin D Status and Supplementation in Patients with MS-A Two-Year Prospective Observational Cohort Study2023n=133
In a 24-month prospective study of 133 relapsing-remitting MS patients, vitamin D supplementation was associated with fewer new T2 lesions; clinical outcomes did not differ significantly.
- Effect
- Benefit
- Duration
- 24 months
- Population
- MS patients
- Participants
- 133
- Ages
- 18+
MetaThe Effect of Different Administration Time and Dosage of Vitamin D Supplementation in Patients with Multiple Sclerosis: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials2021
A meta-analysis of MS vitamin D RCTs at varying doses (2,857–14,007 IU/day) for 6–24 months found no significant effect on EDSS scores or relapse rates.
- Effect
- No Benefit
- Duration
- 6–24 months
- Dose
- 2857–14007 IU/day
- Population
- MS patients
RCTCholecalciferol in relapsing-remitting MS: A randomized clinical trial (CHOLINE)2019n=181
In the CHOLINE trial of 181 relapsing-remitting MS patients on interferon beta-1a, 100,000 IU cholecalciferol every other week for 96 weeks did not meet the primary relapse endpoint but showed secondary MRI and disability benefits.
- Effect
- No Benefit
- Duration
- 2 years
- Dose
- 100000 IU/day
- Population
- MS patients
- Participants
- 181
MetaVitamin D for the management of multiple sclerosis2018n=933
An updated Cochrane review of 12 MS RCTs (933 participants) found vitamin D3 did not reduce relapse rate, EDSS, or MRI lesions at 52 weeks; evidence quality was very low.
- Effect
- No Benefit
- Duration
- 26–96 weeks
- Population
- MS patients
- Participants
- 933
MetaThe effect of vitamin D-related interventions on multiple sclerosis relapses: a meta-analysis2013n=254
A meta-analysis of 5 high-dose vitamin D MS trials (254 participants) found no significant association with relapse risk (OR 0.98).
- Effect
- No Benefit
- Population
- Multiple sclerosis patients
- Participants
- 254
RCTEffect of vitamin D3 supplementation on relapses, disease progression, and measures of function in persons with multiple sclerosis: exploratory outcomes from a double-blind randomised controlled trial2012n=68
In a 96-week RCT of 68 ambulatory MS patients, 20,000 IU/week vitamin D3 raised 25(OH)D but did not change relapse rate, EDSS, or physical performance versus placebo.
- Effect
- No Benefit
- Dose
- 20000 IU/day
- Participants
- 68
- Ages
- 21–50
RCTEffects of adjunct low-dose vitamin d on relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis progression: preliminary findings of a randomized placebo-controlled trial2012n=50
In a 12-month RCT of 50 relapsing-remitting MS patients, low-dose calcitriol plus disease-modifying therapy did not improve EDSS or relapse rate versus placebo.
- Effect
- No Benefit
- Duration
- 12 months
- Dose
- 0.5 μg/day
- Population
- MS patients
- Participants
- 50
- Ages
- 25–57
ObservationalRelationship between 25-OH-D serum level and relapse rate in multiple sclerosis patients before and after vitamin D supplementation2012n=80
An observational study of 156 relapsing-remitting MS patients found higher achieved 25(OH)D was inversely associated with relapse rate; each 10 nmol/L increase linked to 13.7% lower relapses.
- Effect
- Benefit
- Duration
- ~29 months
- Dose
- 3010 IU/day
- Population
- MS patients
- Participants
- 80
RCTTherapeutic effect of vitamin D3 in multiple sclerosis patients2011
In a 6-month RCT of 62 Iranian MS patients, monthly 300,000 IU intramuscular vitamin D3 did not change EDSS or MRI lesions but reduced cell proliferation and raised anti-inflammatory cytokines.
- Effect
- No Benefit
- Duration
- 6 months
- Dose
- 300000 IU/day
- Population
- MS patients
ObservationalSerum 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels and risk of multiple sclerosis2006n=257
In a nested case-control study of military personnel, white individuals with 25(OH)D above 99.1 nmol/L had 62% lower multiple sclerosis risk than those below 63.3 nmol/L.
- Effect
- Benefit
- Participants
- 257
ObservationalVitamin D intake and incidence of multiple sclerosis2004n=95,310
In two large US nurse cohorts (187,563 women), vitamin D intake above 400 IU/day from supplements was associated with 41% lower multiple sclerosis risk versus no supplementation.
- Effect
- Benefit
- Dose
- 400 IU/day
- Population
- Women
- Participants
- 95,310
RCTSafety, tolerability, and efficacy of orally administered cannabinoids in MS2002n=16
In a crossover RCT of 16 MS patients with spasticity, oral THC and cannabis extract were safe but did not reduce spasticity and worsened global impression versus placebo.
- Effect
- No Benefit
- Population
- MS patients
- Participants
- 16
GinkgoView supplement →
Reconsider purchase·★★★★★
How we scored this▸
- Research generally shows that ginkgo extract does not help improve thinking or physical disability in people with multiple sclerosis.
- One small study suggested it might help with processing speed, but this needs confirmation in larger studies.
Browse 5 studies
RCTA randomized controlled pilot trial: the effects of EGb 761 on information processing and executive function in multiple sclerosis2013
A pilot RCT examining EGb 761 for information processing and executive function in multiple sclerosis found no significant cognitive improvement versus placebo.
- Effect
- No Benefit
- Population
- Adults
RCTGinkgo biloba does not improve cognitive function in MS: a randomized placebo-controlled trial2012n=59
In a 12-week RCT of 59 MS patients with cognitive impairment, Ginkgo biloba 120 mg twice daily did not improve cognitive test scores versus placebo.
- Effect
- No Benefit
- Duration
- 12 weeks
- Dose
- 120 mg 2×/day
- Participants
- 59
RCTGinkgo biloba for the improvement of cognitive performance in multiple sclerosis: a randomized, placebo-controlled trial2007n=20
In a 12-week RCT of 20 MS patients, Ginkgo biloba 120 mg twice daily did not improve cognitive test battery scores versus placebo.
- Effect
- No Benefit
- Duration
- 12 weeks
- Dose
- 120 mg 2×/day
- Population
- Multiple sclerosis patients
- Participants
- 20
RCTDouble blind placebo controlled multicentre study of ginkgolide B in treatment of acute exacerbations of multiple sclerosis. The Ginkgolide Study Group in multiple sclerosis1995
In a double-blind RCT of 104 MS patients during acute exacerbation, ginkgolide B 240–360 mg/day for 7 days did not improve disability scores versus placebo.
- Effect
- No Benefit
- Duration
- 7 days
- Dose
- 240 mg/day
- Population
- Adults
Clinical trial[Pilot study of Ginkgolide B, a PAF-acether specific inhibitor in the treatment of acute outbreaks of multiple sclerosis]1992n=10
In a pilot study of 10 MS patients in acute relapse, IV ginkgolide B for 5 days improved neurological scores in 8 patients, though response was not sustained in all.
- Effect
- Benefit
- Duration
- 2–6 days
- Population
- Multiple sclerosis patients
- Participants
- 10
MelatoninView supplement →
Reconsider purchase·★★★★★
How we scored this▸
- A small study in people with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) taking interferon-beta once a week found that melatonin 3 mg daily for 12 months did not reduce relapses, disability, brain lesions, fatigue, or depression compared with placebo.
- Because the study was small, it may not have been able to show a clear difference between groups.
Browse 5 studies
RCT12-week melatonin intake attenuates cardiac autonomic dysfunction and oxidative stress in multiple sclerosis patients: a randomized controlled trial2024n=15
In 30 MS patients, 12 weeks of melatonin improved heart rate variability and reduced oxidative stress markers versus placebo.
- Effect
- Benefit
- Duration
- 12 weeks
- Dose
- 3 mg/day
- Population
- MS patients
- Participants
- 15
RCT12-week melatonin supplementation improved dynamic postural stability and walking performance in persons living with multiple sclerosis: A randomized controlled trial2024n=15
In MS patients, 12-week melatonin supplementation improved dynamic postural stability and walking performance versus placebo.
- Effect
- Benefit
- Duration
- 12 weeks
- Dose
- 3 mg/day
- Participants
- 15
RCTImpact of oral melatonin supplementation on urine and serum melatonin concentrations and quality-of-life measures in persons with relapsing multiple sclerosis2024n=30
In MS patients, melatonin supplementation produced dose-dependent rises in urine and serum melatonin, with exploratory improvements in patient-reported outcomes.
- Effect
- No Benefit
- Duration
- 12 months
- Dose
- 5 mg/day
- Population
- Adults
- Participants
- 30
- Ages
- 18–65
RCTEffects of melatonin on sleep disturbances in multiple sclerosis: A randomized, controlled pilot study2021n=30
In 30 MS patients in a crossover trial, melatonin for 2 weeks did not significantly improve actigraphy-measured total sleep time versus placebo.
- Effect
- No Benefit
- Duration
- 2 weeks
- Dose
- 3 mg
- Population
- Adults
- Participants
- 30
- Ages
- 20–70
RCTImpact of Melatonin on Motor, Cognitive and Neuroimaging Indices in Patients with Multiple Sclerosis2015n=26
In relapsing-remitting MS patients on interferon beta, melatonin 3 mg/day for 12 months reduced relapse number and EDSS progression versus placebo.
- Effect
- No Benefit
- Duration
- 12 months
- Dose
- 3 mg/day
- Population
- ALL patients
- Participants
- 26
Milk ThistleView supplement →
Reconsider purchase·★★★★★
How we scored this▸
- Some studies using milk thistle combined with other natural ingredients showed it might help keep MS symptoms stable over time.
- It also may help protect the liver from side effects of MS treatments and reduce harmful inflammation.
Browse 1 study
Clinical trial[Clinical stabilisation in neurodegenerative diseases: clinical study in phase II]2010n=17
A phase II clinical study of 42 neurodegenerative disease patients found a multi-ingredient antioxidant compound achieved clinical stabilization in all MS, Parkinson's, and Alzheimer's patients followed for up to 24 months.
- Population
- ALL patients
- Participants
- 17
Vitamin KView supplement →
Reconsider purchase·★★★★★
How we scored this▸
- It is not clear if using vitamin K cream helps with skin side effects from MS treatment.
- In early studies, applying vitamin K cream for 8 weeks reduced burning by about 8%, pain by 9%, and redness of the skin in people receiving interferon injections for MS.
Browse 1 study
Clinical trialVitamin K cream reduces reactions at the injection site in patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis treated with subcutaneous interferon beta - VIKING study2015
In a clinical trial in ms patients, vitamin K cream reduces reactions at the injection site in patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis treated with subcutaneous interferon beta - VIKING study.
- Population
- MS patients
Acetyl-L-CarnitineView supplement →
Do not purchase·★★★★★
How we scored this▸
- It is uncertain if taking acetyl-L-carnitine by mouth helps reduce fatigue in people with multiple sclerosis.
- One small study found it reduced fatigue by about 25% compared to placebo after one month.
Browse 1 study
RCTEvaluating the effects of amantadine, modafinil and acetyl-L-carnitine on fatigue in multiple sclerosis: results of a pilot randomized, blind study2013n=60
A pilot RCT in 60 MS patients found 1 month of amantadine 200 mg/day significantly reduced fatigue versus placebo; acetyl-L-carnitine 2 g/day showed only a trend toward benefit.
- Effect
- No Benefit
- Dose
- 2 g/day
- Population
- Patients with multiple sclerosis
- Participants
- 60
- Avg age
- 38±7
Fish OilView supplement →
Do not purchase·★★★★★
How we scored this▸
- Taking fish oil by mouth does not seem to help symptoms in people with multiple sclerosis (MS).
- Studies show that taking large doses of fish oil for 2 years does not change the number or severity of MS relapses.
- In people taking MS medication fingolimod, fish oil did not improve inflammation or disability symptoms over 1 year.
Browse 2 studies
RCTEvaluating the effect of adding Fish oil to Fingolimod on TNF-α, IL1β, IL6, and IFN-γ in patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis: A double-blind randomized placebo-controlled trial2017n=50
A 12-month study of MS patients (RRMS) also taking fingolimod found that the addition of fish oil (1 g/day) did not improve symptoms. [10624]
- Effect
- No Benefit
- Duration
- 12 months
- Dose
- 1 g/day
- Population
- Multiple sclerosis patients
- Participants
- 50
- Ages
- 18–45
RCTA double-blind controlled trial of long chain n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids in the treatment of multiple sclerosis1989
A double-blind controlled trial testing long-chain n-3 PUFA supplementation in MS patients reported modest symptomatic and inflammatory improvements versus placebo but no major change in disease progression. A 2-year trial of 312 (292 completed the study) ambulant MS patients (RRMS) found that fish oil (20 capsules, 10 g/day Maxepa) did not significantly improve overall deterioration, attack severity, duration and frequency compared to olive oil placebo. [10625]
- Effect
- No Benefit
- Duration
- 5 years
- Dose
- 10 g/day
- Population
- Multiple sclerosis patients
Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin)View supplement →
Do not purchase·★★★★★
How we scored this▸
- Taking 10 mg of riboflavin (vitamin B2) daily for six months does not seem to help slow disability in people with relapsing or secondary progressive multiple sclerosis who are already receiving treatment.
- This conclusion is based on a small study, so more research is needed.
Browse 1 study
RCTRiboflavin supplementation to patients with multiple sclerosis does not improve disability status nor is riboflavin supplementation correlated to homocysteine2013
A randomized trial in healthy adults found that 10 mg/day the mean ± SD of EDSS score was significantly decreased in both groups over the six months of the study (2.3 ± 0.7 vs. 1.6 ± 0.6 for the riboflavin group and 2.8 ± 1.1 vs. 2.3 ± 1.3 for the placebo groups.
- Effect
- No Benefit
- Dose
- 10 mg/day
- Population
- Healthy adults
- Avg age
- ~33
Evidence visualised
Same ratings as above, aggregated so you can see coverage and imbalance.
| Supplement | DEX | Studies | Meta-analyses | Share |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vitamin D | ★★★★★44% | 14 | 4 | 27% |
| Biotin | ★★★★★52% | 9 | 1 | 17% |
| Ginkgo | ★★★★★40% | 5 | 0 | 10% |
| Melatonin | ★★★★★40% | 5 | 0 | 10% |
| Caffeine | ★★★★★52% | 4 | 1 | 8% |
| Fish Oil | ★★★★★32% | 2 | 0 | 4% |
| Ginger | ★★★★★44% | 2 | 0 | 4% |
| L-Carnitine | ★★★★★44% | 2 | 0 | 4% |
| N-Acetyl Cysteine (NAC) | ★★★★★44% | 2 | 0 | 4% |
| Panax Ginseng | ★★★★★44% | 2 | 0 | 4% |
| Acetyl-L-Carnitine | ★★★★★32% | 1 | 0 | 2% |
| Milk Thistle | ★★★★★40% | 1 | 0 | 2% |
| Vitamin A | ★★★★★56% | 1 | 0 | 2% |
| Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin) | ★★★★★32% | 1 | 0 | 2% |
| Vitamin K | ★★★★★40% | 1 | 0 | 2% |