Abstract
Multiple Sclerosis (MS) and vitamin B12 deficiency share common inflammatory and neurodegenerative
pathophysiological characteristics. Due to similarities in the clinical presentations
and MRI findings, the differential diagnosis between vitamin B12 deficiency and MS
may be difficult. Additionally, low or decreased levels of vitamin B12 have been demonstrated
in MS patients. Moreover, recent studies suggest that vitamin B12, in addition to
its known role as a co-factor in myelin formation, has important immunomodulatory
and neurotrophic effects. These observations raise the questions of possible causal
relationship between the two disorders, and suggest further studies of the need to
close monitoring of vitamin B12 levels as well as the potential requirement for supplementation
of vitamin B12 alone or in combination with the immunotherapies for MS patients.
Keywords
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© 2005 Elsevier B.V. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
