Penn Herb Wellness Guide
Multiple Sclerosis
- Reliable and relatively consistent scientific data showing a substantial health benefit.
- Contradictory, insufficient, or preliminary studies suggesting a health benefit or minimal health benefit.
- For an herb, supported by traditional use but minimal or no scientific evidence. For a supplement, little scientific support.
Our proprietary “Star-Rating” system was developed to help you easily understand the amount of scientific support behind each supplement in relation to a specific health condition. While there is no way to predict whether a vitamin, mineral, or herb will successfully treat or prevent associated health conditions, our unique ratings tell you how well these supplements are understood by some in the medical community, and whether studies have found them to be effective for other people.
For over a decade, our team has combed through thousands of research articles published in reputable journals. To help you make educated decisions, and to better understand controversial or confusing supplements, our medical experts have digested the science into these three easy-to-follow ratings. We hope this provides you with a helpful resource to make informed decisions towards your health and well-being.
| Supplement | Amount | Why |
|---|---|---|
Biotin | Refer to label instructions |  [2 stars] In a preliminary study, supplementation with biotin was associated with an improvement in neurological function in patients with chronic progressive multiple sclerosis. |
Fish Oil | 6 to 20 grams daily | [2 stars] Several studies have shown fish oil to help reduce urinary incontinence, improve eyesight, and reduce relapse rate in people with relapsing-remitting MS. |
L-Carnitine (Drug-Induced Fatigue) | 3 to 6 grams daily | [2 stars] Some drugs that are used to treat MS appear to deplete carnitine. In one trial, supplementing with L-carnitine significantly improved fatigue in 63% of drug-treated MS patients. |
Padma Basic | 2 herbal tablets or capsules three times per day | [2 stars] An herbal product called Padma Basic was given to 100 people with MS in one study, and 44% experienced increased muscle strength and general overall improvement. |
Calcium | Refer to label instructions |  [1 star] Calcium levels have been reported to be low in people with MS. In one study, people given a combination of cod liver oil, magnesium, and calcium had a significantly reduced number of MS attacks. |
Conjugated Linoleic Acid | Refer to label instructions | [1 star] Omega-6 fatty acids found in sunflower seed oil (a source of linoleic acid) may be beneficial. Studies have reported that linoleic acid reduced relapse severity and length and decreased disability due to MS. |
Evening Primrose Oil | Refer to label instructions | [1 star] The omega-6 fatty acids found in such oils as evening primrose oil (EPO) may be beneficial. When people with MS were given EPO, their hand grip improved in one study. |
Ginkgo | Refer to label instructions | [1 star] Inflammation of nerve tissue is partly responsible for the breakdown of myelin in people with MS. In one study, people with MS showed improvement after being given injections of a constituent of ginkgo. |
Inosine | Refer to label instructions | [1 star] Inosine is a precursor to uric acid, which is believed to block the effect of a compound that may play a role in MS development. Patients given inosine in order to raise uric acid levels experienced improved function in one study. |
Magnesium | Refer to label instructions | [1 star] Magnesium levels have been reported to be low in people with MS. In one trial, a combination of magnesium, cod liver oil, and calcium helped reduce the number of MS attacks. |
Vitamin B1 | Refer to label instructions | [1 star] Thiamine (vitamin B1) deficiency may contribute to nerve damage. Researchers have found that injections of thiamine or thiamine combined with niacin may reduce symptoms. |
Vitamin B3 (Niacin) | Refer to label instructions | [1 star] Thiamine (vitamin B1) deficiency may contribute to nerve damage. Researchers have found that injections of thiamine or thiamine combined with niacin (vitamin B3) may reduce symptoms. |
Vitamin D | Refer to label instructions | [1 star] Studies suggest that vitamin D may help reduce the number of MS attacks and may protect against the development of the disease. |
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The information presented by TraceGains is for informational purposes only. It is based on scientific studies (human, animal, or in vitro), clinical experience, or traditional usage as cited in each article. The results reported may not necessarily occur in all individuals. Self-treatment is not recommended for life-threatening conditions that require medical treatment under a doctor's care. For many of the conditions discussed, treatment with prescription or over the counter medication is also available. Consult your doctor, practitioner, and/or pharmacist for any health problem and before using any supplements or before making any changes in prescribed medications. Information expires December 2024.