PT  - JOURNAL ARTICLE
AU  - Deisenhammer, Florian
AU  - Bauer, Angelika
AU  - Lechner, Ivan
TI  - Vitamin D and physical activity in multiple sclerosis (P2.347)
DP  - 2018 Apr 10
TA  - Neurology
PG  - P2.347
VI  - 90
IP  - 15 Supplement
4099  - http://n.neurology.org/content/90/15_Supplement/P2.347.short
4100  - http://n.neurology.org/content/90/15_Supplement/P2.347.full
SO  - Neurology2018 Apr 10; 90
AB  - Objective: To investigate the effect of physical activity on Vitamin D levels in MS patients.Background: Lower than normal vitamin D levels have been observed in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients, similar to almost all chronic diseases. Although oral supplementation increases vitamin D blood concentrations and there is a negative correlation between vitamin D levels and disease progression, no study so far could demonstrate a positive clinical effect of vitamin D supplementation. Despite this fact many MS patients take vitamin D.Design/Methods: In the time between 15 August and 15 September, we included 40 MS patients with an EDSS score of <= 4.0 and measured physical activity by a tracking device, time spent outdoors by diary, and vitamin D blood levels. Patients did not take vitamin D supplementation before and during the study.Results: Thirty-eight patients, 23 women and 15 men, were finally analysed. Average age was 39.9 years with women being somewhat older (42 vs. 37 years). Mean vitamin D levels were 85.54 nmol/L. Activity variables were measured, such as active time, walking distance, number of steps, outdoor time, and calorie consumption. The primary outcome was correlation between vitamin D levels and total physical activity [minutes/day] as well as outdoor time with EDSS scores as co-variate.In multiple regression the dominant determining factor of vitamin D levels was total physical activity (standardized beta coefficient: 0.222) and there was a very weak negative correlation with outdoor time (standardized beta coefficient: −0.082). Activity was similar in women and men, but calorie consumption was higher in men (2122 vs. 1615). More detailed analyses will be presented.Conclusions: There is a correlation between physical activity and vitamin D blood concentrations in MS patients. Physical activity has been shown to improve clinical outcome. Alternative pathways of the correlation between disease progression and vitamin D levels need to be considered.Disclosure: Dr. Deisenhammer has received personal compensation for consulting, serving on a scientific advisory board, speaking, or other activities with Biogen, Genzyme-Sanofi, Merck, Novartis, Roche, TEVA-Ratiopharm. Dr. Bauer has nothing to disclose. Dr. Lechner has nothing to disclose.