Regular Consumption of Fatty Fish Linked to Lower Risk of Multiple Sclerosis: Study

In a study published in the journal Nutrients, researchers from Italy investigated the link between diet and lifestyle factors associated with the development of Multiple Sclerosis.

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic autoimmune disease affecting the central nervous system (CNS) and is becoming more prevalent. MS involves the immune system attacking myelin, the protective coating of nerve fibers, leading to lesions in the CNS. These lesions can cause a range of impairments, including sensory disturbances, visual problems, coordination difficulties, and sometimes paralysis.

It typically progresses over time and is one of the most common neurodegenerative diseases affecting young adults, with symptoms often emerging between the ages of 20 and 40. Environmental factors like smoking, obesity, and UVB light exposure, alongside genetic predispositions, are also believed to contribute to its onset. Previous research has also explored the potential link between gut health and its influence on CNS function.

In the study, data from the UK Biobank was analyzed, including 502,507 participants aged 40–69 years. The presence of multiple sclerosis (MS) was identified through hospital admissions with MS diagnoses or self-reported MS diagnoses.

All participants completed a food frequency questionnaire, reporting their usual consumption of 29 different food groups and alcohol over the previous year. They provided detailed information about their daily intake of cooked vegetables, raw vegetables, fresh and dried fruits, and weekly intake of fatty fish, processed meats, beef, lamb, poultry, cheese, salt added to food, and other foods.

Over an average follow-up period of 12 years, 478 MS cases were identified among the study cohort, indicating a prevalence rate of 7.78 MS cases per 100,000 person-years.

The researchers observed an inverse correlation between adherence to a healthy diet and MS onset. Their findings suggest that a diet rich in plant-based and whole foods, including moderate consumption of fatty fish, may help protect against MS. Notably, eating fatty fish once weekly appeared to be more protective than more frequent consumption.

“Different types of diets can have varying effects on individuals living with multiple sclerosis (MS). Generally, hypercaloric diets can be problematic for MS, while low-calorie diets and those rich in fruits, vegetables, and other plant-based foods may improve the signs and symptoms of the condition. A Mediterranean diet, in particular, may help lower the risk of MS, especially when compared to a typical Western diet,” said the authors.

Reference: Barbero Mazzucca, C.; Scotti, L.; Comi, C.; Vecchio, D.; Chiocchetti, A.; Cappellano, G. The Role of Diet in Multiple Sclerosis Onset: A Prospective Study Using UK Biobank. Nutrients 2024, 16, 1746. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16111746