Could supplements be a helpful addition to your approach to MS? Read why supplements might be helpful for MS and some great options to talk about with your healthcare team here!
Living with MS often means seeking out different strategies to help manage symptoms and enhance your overall well-being. Could supplements be a helpful addition to your approach?
While they’re not a cure, certain supplements can help support your body’s needs and potentially ease some MS-related challenges. Let’s see how supplements can complement your existing routine and explore the most commonly recommended options.
But first, let me introduce myself! Hi, I’m Dr. Gretchen, a physical therapist and MS-certified specialist. For years, I’ve been helping people with MS manage symptoms like tremors through exercises, education, and an encouraging community. Thousands of people have used these research-backed strategies to improve their daily lives, gaining confidence and a renewed sense of control.
Without any further ado, let’s explore why supplements might be helpful for MS and some great options to talk about with your healthcare team. Remember, you’re not alone in this journey—there are steps you can take to feel more supported and empowered.
Why Consider Supplements For MS?
MS is a complex condition that affects the central nervous system, often leading to symptoms like fatigue, muscle weakness, difficulty concentrating, and nerve pain. While medications and lifestyle changes are essential parts of managing MS, supplements can sometimes play a supportive role by addressing nutritional deficiencies or providing additional anti-inflammatory or neuroprotective benefits.
For example, research has shown that people with MS are more likely to have low levels of Vitamin D—a nutrient crucial for immune health and inflammation control. Correcting these deficiencies through supplementation may contribute to better symptom management and overall well-being. Additionally, some supplements may support nerve function or reduce oxidative stress in the body, which can be helpful given the damage MS causes to nerve cells.
However, it’s important to remember that supplements are not a replacement for prescribed treatments.
They should be seen as one piece of the puzzle in a comprehensive treatment plan. And because some supplements can interact with medications or cause side effects, it’s critical to consult your doctor before starting any new regimen. Together, you can ensure that everything you take works in harmony with your overall care plan.
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Key Supplements For Managing MS
Certain vitamins and minerals have been identified as particularly beneficial for people with MS. Here are some of the most commonly recommended options:
- Magnesium: Magnesium glycinate supports muscle relaxation, making it helpful for managing nighttime spasms and cramping often experienced with MS. A different form of magnesium, magnesium citrate, can also aid in bowel regularity, another common symptom of MS.
- Vitamin D: Known as the “sunshine vitamin,” Vitamin D plays a vital role in supporting immune health and reducing inflammation. Many people with MS have low Vitamin D levels due to limited sun exposure or other factors, making supplementation an important consideration.
- Vitamin B12: This vitamin is essential for nerve health and energy production. Low levels of B12 can lead to fatigue, memory issues, or even nerve damage—symptoms that often overlap with those of MS.
- Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Found in fish oil or plant-based sources like flaxseed oil, omega-3s have anti-inflammatory properties that may help protect brain health and reduce inflammation linked to MS.
These supplements are widely studied and generally considered safe when taken under medical supervision. However, individual needs vary greatly—your doctor can help determine which ones are most appropriate based on your specific symptoms and bloodwork results.
Evidence-Based Benefits Of Specific Supplements
Research into supplements for MS has provided promising insights into their potential benefits. Here are a few to consider discussing with your MS healthcare team:
- Vitamin D: Studies suggest that maintaining adequate Vitamin D levels may help reduce relapse rates or slow disease progression in some people with MS. It’s also thought to play a role in regulating immune function.
- Biotin: High doses of biotin (a B-vitamin) have shown promise in small studies for improving energy metabolism and possibly reducing disability progression in progressive forms of MS.
- Alpha-Lipoic Acid (ALA): ALA is a powerful antioxidant that may help reduce inflammation and protect nerve cells from damage caused by oxidative stress.
While these findings are encouraging, it’s important to approach them with realistic expectations. Supplements alone won’t stop disease progression but may complement other treatments by supporting overall health. More research is needed to confirm their long-term benefits.
Herbal And Natural Remedies To Consider
In addition to vitamins and minerals, some natural remedies may provide added support for managing MS symptoms:
- Probiotics: Gut health plays an important role in immune function. Probiotics can help balance gut bacteria, which may reduce inflammation and improve overall well-being.
- Turmeric (Curcumin): This spice contains curcumin, a compound with strong anti-inflammatory properties that could help manage inflammation associated with MS.
- Ginseng: Known for its ability to boost energy levels and cognitive function, ginseng might be helpful for combating fatigue—a common symptom of MS.
- Lion’s Mane: A natural remedy that may support nerve regeneration and improve cognitive function.
While these natural remedies show promise, they should be used cautiously as they can interact with medications or cause side effects. Always discuss any herbal supplements with your healthcare provider before trying them.
No Supplement Is Without Risks. Please Consider These Precautions…
Although supplements can offer benefits, they’re not without risks:
- Some vitamins (like Vitamin D) are fat-soluble, meaning they can accumulate in the body if taken in excess, potentially causing toxicity.
- Certain supplements may interfere with prescribed medications or exacerbate existing conditions.
- The quality of over-the-counter supplements varies widely—choosing reputable brands is essential to ensure safety and effectiveness.
This is why it’s so important to involve your doctor when considering supplements. They can guide you toward safe options tailored to your specific needs while helping you avoid potential pitfalls.
Looking To Combine Supplements With Strength?
If you’re living with MS and want to take control of your symptoms, combining supplements with a strength-focused program could be a transformative approach. Supplements can address nutritional deficiencies and support your body’s internal needs, while a targeted exercise routine helps improve strength, mobility, and neuroplasticity—the brain’s ability to rewire itself.
The MSing Link Total Strength Program is designed specifically for people with MS who want an exercise routine tailored to their unique symptoms and goals. This course teaches you how to create workouts based on neuroplasticity and functional movement, helping you feel stronger and more confident in your daily life. It includes webinars, PDFs with exercise examples and sample routines, five guided exercise classes, and interviews with MS experts.
By combining supplements with this program, you can support your body inside and out, taking meaningful steps toward managing symptoms while building strength and resilience.
If you’re interested, use my link here for 30% off the Total Strength Program and use my code YOUVEGOTTHIS!
Supplements For MS Are A Great Piece In The Puzzle Of Helping Your Symptoms!
Living with MS comes with unique challenges, but there are steps you can take to feel more supported and empowered every day. Supplements won’t cure MS or replace prescribed treatments—but they can be one piece of the puzzle in managing symptoms and improving quality of life.
Remember that every person’s journey is different; what works for one individual might not work for another. That’s why it’s so important to consult your doctor before starting any new supplement regimen—they’ll help ensure everything fits safely into your treatment plan.

You’re not alone on this journey. With the right tools, support system, and guidance from your healthcare team, you can take meaningful steps toward feeling better every day.
Do you have any further questions about how supplements for MS can help mitigate your symptoms? Please feel free to DM me on Instagram @doctor.gretchen.