Skip to main content
Top

The Role of Diet in Multiple Sclerosis: Mechanistic Connections and Current Evidence

  • Open Access
  • 01-09-2018
  • Neurological Disease and Cognitive Function (Y Gu, Section Editor)
Published in:

Abstract

Purpose of Review

This review seeks to examine current research related to the role of diet in multiple sclerosis (MS).

Recent Findings

Recent research in preclinical models, epidemiologic studies, and limited prospectively followed cohorts provide preliminary evidence that dietary factors influence MS incidence, disease course, and symptomatology. Current evidence for the effects of fatty acids, fruits and vegetables, whole grains, dairy, and salt are reviewed. Dietary patterns including overall diet quality, caloric restriction, McDougall diet, Paleolithic diet, and Mediterranean diet are discussed. Hypotheses regarding potential mechanistic connections underlying observed effects are also presented.

Summary

Several individual dietary components and patterns demonstrate potential for significant impact in MS. Definitive answers regarding the ability of diet to act as a disease modifier in MS will ultimately require large-scale clinical trials. Continued prospective studies and clinical trials to further advance this line of research are warranted.
Title
The Role of Diet in Multiple Sclerosis: Mechanistic Connections and Current Evidence
Author
Ilana Katz Sand
Publication date
01-09-2018
Publisher
Springer US
Published in
Current Nutrition Reports / Issue 3/2018
Electronic ISSN: 2161-3311
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s13668-018-0236-z
This content is only visible if you are logged in and have the appropriate permissions.

Other articles of this Issue 3/2018

Use of Enteral Nutrition for Gastrointestinal Bleeding Prophylaxis in the Critically Ill: Review of Current Literature

  • Gastroenterology, Critical Care, and Lifestyle Medicine (SA McClave, Section Editor)

The Role of Nutrition in Cognitive Function and Brain Ageing in the Elderly

  • Neurological Disease and Cognitive Function (Y Gu, Section Editor)

Impact of Energy Drinks on Health and Well-being

  • Gastroenterology, Critical Care, and Lifestyle Medicine (SA McClave, Section Editor)

From Religion to Secularism: the Benefits of Fasting

  • Gastroenterology, Critical Care, and Lifestyle Medicine (SA McClave, Section Editor)

Saturated Fat: Part of a Healthy Diet

  • Gastroenterology, Critical Care, and Lifestyle Medicine (SA McClave, Section Editor)

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on progress in colorectal cancer

CRC remains a major global health burden, but advances in screening, treatment, and lifestyle-based prevention continue to reshape clinical practice. Gain insights into how the latest research can be leveraged to optimize patient care across the CRC continuum.

Prof. Antoni Castells
Prof. Harpreet Wasan
Prof. Edward Giovannucci
Watch now

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on functional neurological disorder

FND perplexes and frustrates patients and physicians alike. Limited knowledge and insufficient awareness delays diagnosis and treatment, and many patients feel misunderstood and stigmatized. How can you recognize FND and what are the treatment options?

Prof. Mark Edwards
Watch now
Video
Image Credits
Colon cancer illustration/© (M) KATERYNA KON / SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY / Getty Images, Human brain illustration/© (M) CHRISTOPH BURGSTEDT / SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY / Getty Images