Biotin-as a  MS remyelination drug ?  Yes, biotin is the star in the news this month. Not in regular small doses, but high dose biotin. 

High doses of biotin (a B vitamin)  can improve the myelination process and symptoms clinical in patients with multiple sclerosis, according to this new study [1]

High doses biotin (MD1003 or Cerenday) had been researched  in the past (including a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study) and showed significant improvement in signs and symptoms of PPMS and SMS (i.e.  improvements in walking, visual acuity and disability scale)

Mechanism of actions: high dose biotin works by increasing the energy production in demyelinated axons and/or improving the synthesis of myelin in oligodendrocytes (the myelin producing cells).

Be aware that high doses biotin can influence the thyroid tests. In animal studies ketogenic diet may cause biotin deficiency in biotin deficient animals. Therefore, biotin supplementation may be necessary if you follow a keto diet[2].

The brain gut connection

Another study supporting the important role of gut microbiome in brain health. Unhealthy gut microbiota alters the blood brain barrier (BBB), affecting the brain health and influencing the progression of MS [3].

 

Potential new therapy targeting fibrinogen (a protein involved in blood clotting) . Based on this research, when the blood barrier is impaired (as it happens in MS), the fibrinogen from blood leaks into the brain and blocks myelination [4].

Sounds interesting, I would need to read the full study, not just the abstract. Learning how fibrinogen affects myelination may lead to the development of new drugs for MS.  Just wondering …why not address the underlying problem- the factors that cause BBB increased permeability and improve them ? 

Milk Thistle has comparable anti anxiety /anti depressants qualities with prescription drugs diazepam and fluoxetine. This new study was conducted in animal models [5]

Milk thistle had been previously researched in humans as well, with positive results. It boosts serotonin level and much more. This supplement is worth considering not only as an anti-anxiety drug but also for digestive health.

High doses of vitamin D can be toxic

A case report : a person who was talking high doses of vitamin D for years for managing MS [6]. Of course it can be toxic, it’s a fat soluble vitamin. It’s important to monitor vitamin D levels in the blood  and work with a doctor when taking high doses.  Vitamin D works closely with magnesium and vitamin K2, thus should be taken together. Taking high doses of D alone can easily create magnesium deficiency. You do not want that.

Alpha Lipoic Acid: A review of multiple research papers confirms that alpha lipoic acid can be useful for treating conditions affecting the central nervous system such as MS, Parkinson’s Alzheimer’s, spinal cord injuries and stroke. Its therapeutic benefits are mostly derived from its antioxidant and anti inflammatory qualities [7].

Melatonin has an extra, less known benefit: it is useful to reduce the risk of osteoporosis and improve bone formation in individuals with MS [8].