STUDY: Vegetarian, dairy free diet eases fatigue, no effect on disability

[ActiveMSers]

Studies released on diet and MS are rare, so I was surprised by this one. While the meat free, fish free, dairy free diet had no effect on relapse rate or disability, those on the diet lost more weight, had lower cholesterol, and had a better quality of life. Clearly, eating well matters. - Dave

An extremely low-fat, plant-based diet may help ease the debilitating fatigue so common in patients with relapsing-remitting Multiple Sclerosis, a small study conducted through Oregon Health & Science University has found.

According to OHSU, the study is the first randomized-controlled trial examining the potential benefits of such a diet on MS management.

The dietary shift apparently had no impact on some other aspects of MS, including the number of brain lesions seen in patients.

FULL STORY: http://www.oregonlive.com/health/ind...erosis_pa.html

[ActiveMSers]

Effects of a Low Fat Plant Based Diet in Multiple Sclerosis (MS): Results of a 1- Year Long Randomized Controlled (RC) Study

Vijayshree Yadav,1Gail Marracci,1Edward Kim,1Rebecca Spain,1Michelle Cameron,1,1Shannon Overs,2John McDougall,3Jesus Lovera,4Dennis Bourdette1
1Portland, OR, USA, 2Charlotte, NC, USA, 3Santa Rosa, CA, USA, 4New Orleans, LA, USA

OBJECTIVE: To determine the compliance and safety of a plant-based low-fat diet and obtain preliminary data on its effects on brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), clinical outcomes, lipids, insulin and body weight in relapsing remitting MS patients.

BACKGROUND: Emerging evidence suggests diet and vascular risk factors including obesity and hyperlipidemia may influence MS disease progression.

DESIGN/METHODS: A prospective, RC, rater-blinded 1-year study with subjects assigned to a low-fat diet (diet) or wait-listed (control) group. Study outcomes: changes over one year in: brain MRI new T2 lesion count and other MRI disease activity and atrophy parameters; safety, changes in: relapse rate, disability [expanded disability status score (EDSS)], Timed 25-foot walk (T25W), Fatigue Severity Score (FSS), blood lipids, body weight and compliance.

RESULTS: 61 subjects [diet -32 (including 6 drop outs); control - 29 (including 2 drop outs)]; median age 41 (range 24-55) y, mean disease duration 5.3 (range 0.8-14.7) y, mean EDSS 2.5 (range 0-4.5) were randomized. After baseline difference adjustment, the groups showed no significant changes in the number of active lesions (0.4, 95% CI -1.2 to1.9, p=0.6) or other MR parameters, relapse rate, EDSS, T25W and FSS. Mean (SD) change in Low Density Lipoprotein (LDL) and Total Cholesterol (TC)(mg/dL): Diet compliant (22/26) : -12.4 (22.4) and -16.2(28.5) vs. Control: -5.6 (24.8), -4.7 (28.5); Weight change (lbs) [mean (SD, range)]: Diet compliant (22/26): -16.3 (17.4, +6.8 - -52.1) vs. Control: +1.6 (12, +28.2 - -32.9). Results of fasting glucose, insulin and novel lipid markers will be presented.

CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrated safety and achievable compliance of this diet. Small sample size, use of disease modifying therapies by many subjects, and one-year follow up likely contributed to the reduced power to detect changes on MRI and clinical outcomes. Improved lipid profile and weight may yield longer term vascular health benefits. Longer future studies with larger sample size are needed.

[teena marie]

This is basically the diet I follow and it has helped. I think combined with exercise it improves disability. I'm part of an Australian study currently looking at this.