Abstract
High-dose antioxidant supplementation has recently been recommended for multiple sclerosis (MS) patients. This study tests the clinical safety, the glutathione peroxidase (GSH-px) activity, and the absorption of selenium during such supplementation. Eighteen MS patients were given 6 tablets especially made for this study, equivalent to 6 mg sodium selenite, 2 g vitamin C, and 480 mg vitamin E a day for five wk. GSH-px, which was lower than in non-MS controls before the start of treatment, increased fivefold during 5 wk of treatment. Side effects were scarce. Ten MS patients were subjected to a 24-h selenium absorption study after ingestion of 2 active tablets, equivalent to 2 mg sodium selenite. Selenium, which was low initially, increased 24% during the first 3 h and then stabilized. It is concluded that the tested antioxidant treatment seems to be safe and that MS patients have low GSH-px, which may be increased by the tested antioxidant treatment.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
H. S. Mickel,Perspect. Biol. Med. 18, 363 (1975).
F. Carmagnol, P. M. Sinet, and H. Jerome,Biochem. Biophys. Acta 759, 49 (1983).
M. I. S. Hunter, B. C. Nlemadim, and D. L. W. Davidson,Neurochem. Res. 10, 1645 (1985).
J. Wikström, T. Westermarck, and J. Palo,Acta Neurol. Scand. 54, 287 (1976).
R. C. Dicson and R. H. Tomilson,Clin. Chem. Acta 16, 311 (1967).
National Academy of Science, National Research Council: Recommended dietary allowances. Nat. Acad. Sci., Washington, DC, 1980.
G. E. Jensen, G. Gissel-Nielsen, and J. Clausen,J. Neurol. Sci. 48, 61 (1980).
G. E. Jensen and J. Clausen,J. Neurol. Sci. 63, 45 (1984).
G. E. Jensen and J. Clausen,Acta Pharmacol. Toxicol. 59, suppl. 7, 450 (1986).
D. McAlpine, C. E. Lumsden, and E. D. Acheson,Multiple Sclerosis, a Reappraisal, 2nd ed., pp. 81–307, Churchill-Livingstone, Edinburgh, 1972.
J. Mai,Sclerosen 4, 8 (1985).
J. F. Kurtzke,Neurology (Cleveland) 33, 1444 (1983).
B. E. Paglia and W. N. Valentine,J. Lab. Clin. Med. 70, 158 (1967).
G. E. Jensen, V. K. S. Shukla, G. Gissel-Nielsen, and J. Clausen,Scand. J. Clin. Lab. Invest. 38, 309 (1978).
J. C. Hansen, K. Overvad, U. Tarp, and E. B. Thorling,Ugeskr. Læg. 147, 1911 (1985).
G. Yang, S. Wang, R. Zhou, and S. Sun,Clin. Nutr. 37, 872 (1983).
C. D. Thomson, C. E. Burton, and M. F. Robinson,Br. J. Nutr. 39, 579 (1978).
H. M. Mykkänen and M. L. Mutanen,Nutr. Rep. Int. 28, 67 (1983).
F. M. Robinson, C. D. Thomson, and P. K. Huemmer,NZ Med. J. 98, 627 (1985).
M-T. Lo and E. Sandi,J. Env. Pathol. Toxicol. 4, 193 (1980).
G. E. Jensen, Ph.D. Thesis, Institute of Biology and Chemistry, University of Roskilde, Denmark, 1988.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Mai, J., Sørensen, P.S. & Hansen, J.C. High dose antioxidant supplementation to MS patients. Biol Trace Elem Res 24, 109–117 (1990). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02917200
Received:
Accepted:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02917200