What Researchers Did
Doctors reviewed evidence on several complementary and alternative therapies used by people with multiple sclerosis (MS), including diet, vitamins, cannabis, hyperbaric oxygenation, and physical therapy.
What They Found
This review found that evidence for most complementary therapies in MS is weak or inconsistent, with results varying by therapy. Hyperbaric oxygenation was the subject of several small studies with heterogeneous results that, overall, did not support its use. Long-term vitamin D use was linked to a lower rate of new MS cases, but there was not enough evidence that it affects the course of the disease once diagnosed. Randomized trials of cannabis for spasticity were negative, even though some patients reported feeling subjectively better.
Canadian Relevance
No direct Canadian connection identified.
Study Limitations
This is a narrative review of small, heterogeneous studies rather than a single large controlled trial, so it cannot draw firm conclusions about the effectiveness of any of these therapies for MS.