Vitamin B12, folate, and homocysteine levels and multiple sclerosis: A meta-analysis

source extracted confidence: high 2026-04-09
#folic-acid #homocysteine #humans #multiple-sclerosis #vitamin-b-12

Vitamin B12, folate, and homocysteine levels and multiple sclerosis: A meta-analysis

Dardiotis et al., 2017 | Mult Scler Relat Disord | Meta Analysis

Citation

Dardiotis Efthimios, Arseniou Stylianos, ... Brotis Alexandros. Vitamin B12, folate, and homocysteine levels and multiple sclerosis: A meta-analysis. Mult Scler Relat Disord. 2017-Oct;17:190-197. doi:10.1016/j.msard.2017.08.004

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a demyelinating and disabling inflammatory disease of the central nervous system. Several factors contribute to MS pathogenesis including genetic-environmental interactions. Case-control studies suggest that there might be associations between MS and homocysteine (Hcy), vitamin B12, and folate blood levels. AIM: To meta-analyze all available data describing associations between MS and serum or plasma Hcy, vitamin B12, and folate levels. METHODS: The PubMed, MEDLINE, and EMBASE databases were searched for eligible case-control studies published until June 2017. After data extraction, separate analyses using mainly random-effects models were conducted to test for associations between MS and vitamin B12, Hcy, or folate blood levels. RESULTS: Twelve, 12, and 9 studies met the inclusion criteria for meta-analysis of MS and Hcy, vitamin B12, and folate levels, respectively. The standardized mean difference (SMD) between MS patients and controls was statistically significant for Hcy (SMD: 0.70, 95% CI: 0.06, 1.34). Stratification according to clinical pattern did not reveal significant differences between relapsing-remitting MS patients and controls (SMD: 0.30, 95% CI: -0.93, 1.54) or between secondary progressive MS patients and controls (SMD: 0.12, 95% CI: -1.65, 1.90). There were no significant differences in SMD between MS patients and healthy individuals for vitamin B12 (SMD: -0.09, 95% CI: -0.29, 0.10) or folate (SMD: -0.06, 95% CI: -0.17, 0.05). CONCLUSION: MS patients tend to have elevated Hcy blood levels compared to healthy controls. Hcy may contribute to the pathogenesis of the disease.

Key Findings

Twelve, 12, and 9 studies met the inclusion criteria for meta-analysis of MS and Hcy, vitamin B12, and folate levels, respectively. The standardized mean difference (SMD) between MS patients and controls was statistically significant for Hcy (SMD: 0.70, 95% CI: 0.06, 1.34). Stratification according to clinical pattern did not reveal significant differences between relapsing-remitting MS patients and controls (SMD: 0.30, 95% CI: -0.93, 1.54) or between secondary progressive MS patients and contro

Outcomes Measured

  • inflammatory markers

Population

Field Value
Population See abstract
Sample Size 9
Age Range See abstract
Condition See abstract

MeSH Terms

  • Folic Acid
  • Homocysteine
  • Humans
  • Multiple Sclerosis
  • Vitamin B 12

Evidence Classification

  • Level: Meta Analysis
  • Publication Types: Journal Article, Meta-Analysis, Review
  • Vertical: vitamin-b12

Provenance

Source extracted via PubMed E-utilities API on 2026-04-09