Vitamin D levels in a sample of Egyptian patients with multiple sclerosis

Background Environmental factors such as vitamin D deficiency have been linked to the etiology of multiple sclerosis (MS) through interaction with genetic factors. Researches must be carried out to answer the question whether the relationship between vitamin D and MS is consistent and reproducible. Objective The aim of the present study was to assess the level of vitamin D in Egyptian MS patients. Subjects and methods In total, 111 patients with MS and 33 normal subjects were included in this study. Vitamin D level was estimated for each participant using the enzyme linked immunosorbent assay technique. Results Vitamin D levels were significantly lower among MS patients (ranging from 5 to 75 ng/ml with a mean +/- SD of 26.4 +/- 18.5) when compared with controls [ranging from 25 to 80 ng/ml with a mean of 51.2 +/- 19.6 (P < 0.001)]. High expanded disability status scale scores were found to be related to low vitamin D levels. Conclusion Patients with MS tended to have lower vitamin D levels, and those with higher (expanded disability status scale) scores were more likely to have lower levels of vitamin D.