the effect of vitamin a supplementation on biochemical parameters in multiple sclerosis patients

conclusions considering that no significant difference was found in the proven vitamin a side effects, due to the increase in crp, frequent clinical and biochemical controls are required along with vitamin a supplementation. patients and methods this study was a double blind randomized clinical trial. in the main study, vitamin a (as retinyl palmitate) was given to 35 multiple sclerosis (ms) patients in order to regulate their immune system with a dose of 25000 iu/day for a period of six months. to investigate the possible biochemical complications, lipid profiles, fasting blood sugar (fbs), liver enzymes, and c-reactive protein (crp) were tested. background vitamin a has different functions in the body and after being converted to acid form; it can play many roles in immune system regulation. therefore, this vitamin can be used as a supplement in the treatment of diseases, such as cancer and autoimmune diseases. vitamin a is a fat-soluble compound and its long-term consumption in high doses can have some adverse effects. results vitamin a did not have a significant difference in lipid profiles, fbs and liver enzymes between the two groups receiving vitamin a and the placebo, but crp increased in patients who were taking vitamin a, 1.65±0.43 (mg/l) and 2.88±0.67, (mean±sem), before and after the intervention respectively (p=0.029), and statistical analysis showed significant differences with the group receiving placebo (p=0.011) and crp level in vitamin a group was 1.3 mg/l more than those of the placebo group after intervention (p=0.011). objective the current study aimed to investigate the possible complications and find solutions to minimize the adverse effects.