Publication
History
Published
Online: July 06, 2016
The role of diet in ameliorating
the severity of multiple sclerosis (MS) has been long debated, but there
remains a paucity of relevant research. Observational studies by Dr. Roy Swank,
published between 1953 and 2003, suggested significantly reduced MS disease
activity and disability progression and longer survival in people following a
diet low in total and saturated fat compared with those who did not (Swank, 1953, Swank
and Goodwin, 2003, Swank, 1970). Swank's
diet book, last published in 1987, remains popular among patients with MS.
However, this approach to treating MS has never been subjected to a
well-controlled clinical trial.
The supposed large clinical
effect of the Swank low fat diet led to our hypothesis that a very-low-fat,
plant-based diet might have a large effect on MRI activity. We conducted a
pilot study to explore the tolerability and potential benefits of a very-low
saturated fat, plant-based diet followed for 12 months by people with
relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS) with the primary endpoint being brain MRI disease
activity.
