Vitamin D3 has neuroprotective effects in moderate ischemic stroke

A single dose of vitamin D₃ have been shown to have neuroprotective effects in patients with moderate ischemic stroke.

According to a publication in Stroke Research and Treatment Journal, Hesami O. et al (2022), treated patients with moderate ischemic stroke (NIHSS 5-15) who had vitamin D deficiency (serum 25-OH vitamin D ≤ 30ng/ml) with a single dose, intramuscular (IM) injection of 600000 International Unit (IU) vitamin D₃. The Neuron-Specific Enolase (NSE) level, National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) and Barthel Index (BI) scoring systems were employed. After 48 hours, the NIHSS score was significantly lower in the treatment group while the NSE levels did not differ significantly. The BI which they evaluated 3 months after hospital discharge was shown to be significantly higher in the treatment group.

Neuron-Specific Enolase is released in the cerebrospinal fluid and bloodstream in response to brain damage. Serum levels of NSE in the first few days of ischemic stroke can serve as a useful marker to predict stroke severity and early functional outcomes, while BI is an ordinary scale used to measure performance in activities of daily living. Higher numbers of BI reflect a greater ability to function independently following hospital discharge.

The report of the neuroprotective effects of a single dose of 600000 of vitamin D3 was based on its significantly positive effects on the NIHSS and BI parameters. This impressive scientific report gives ray of hope to patients with moderate ischemic stroke and could be an important remedial tool for normal life after its efficacy and safety is clearly evaluated.

Reference: “The evaluation of neuroprotective effect of single high dose of vitamin D3 in patients with moderate ischemic stroke” Hesami O et al, 17 January 2022, Stroke Research and Treatment. https://doi.org/10.1155/2022/8955660