Scientists reviewed how the Mediterranean diet might help people with multiple sclerosis (MS), a disease that damages the nervous system. They found that this diet - rich in olive oil, fish, vegetables, and fruits - may work by changing special chemicals in the body called immunometabolites. These chemicals help control inflammation and immune system responses. While Western diets high in processed foods might make MS worse, the Mediterranean diet appears to reduce harmful inflammation in the brain and nervous system, potentially slowing disease progression.

The Quick Take

  • What they studied: How the Mediterranean diet affects special body chemicals that control inflammation in people with multiple sclerosis
  • Who participated: This was a review study that analyzed existing research rather than studying specific people
  • Key finding: Mediterranean diet appears to create beneficial changes in body chemicals that may reduce brain inflammation and slow MS progression
  • What it means for you: If you have MS, following a Mediterranean-style diet rich in fish, olive oil, and vegetables might help manage your condition, though more research is needed

The Research Details

This was a narrative review, meaning researchers gathered and analyzed existing studies about diet and multiple sclerosis rather than conducting a new experiment. They focused specifically on how different diets affect immunometabolites - special chemicals that immune cells produce when they’re fighting disease or inflammation. The researchers looked at both laboratory studies using animal models and human studies to understand how diet influences MS.

Review studies are valuable because they bring together findings from many different research projects to identify patterns and draw broader conclusions. This approach helps scientists see the bigger picture of how diet affects MS across multiple studies and populations.

As a narrative review, this study’s strength lies in synthesizing existing evidence rather than providing new data. The quality depends on how well the authors selected and interpreted previous studies, though specific quality assessment criteria weren’t detailed in the abstract.

What the Results Show

The review found that Mediterranean-pattern diets may help people with MS by influencing immunometabolites - small molecules like citrate, lactate, and glutamate that immune cells produce. These chemicals act like switches that can turn inflammation on or off in the brain and nervous system. When people eat Mediterranean foods rich in healthy fats, antioxidants, and anti-inflammatory compounds, it appears to shift these metabolites toward reducing harmful inflammation. The researchers noted that MS involves complex interactions between immune system problems, inflammation, and nerve cell damage, and diet may influence all these processes.

The review also examined other dietary approaches like low-fat diets, ketogenic diets, and intermittent fasting, finding they might also benefit MS patients through similar metabolic pathways. In contrast, Western-style diets high in processed foods and saturated fats appeared to worsen inflammation and potentially accelerate disease progression.

This review builds on growing evidence that diet plays a significant role in autoimmune diseases like MS. It adds to previous research by specifically focusing on the metabolic mechanisms - the ‘how’ behind diet’s effects on MS rather than just observing that certain diets seem helpful.

As a narrative review, this study doesn’t provide new experimental data or specific recommendations for MS patients. The authors acknowledge that more clinical trials are needed to definitively prove that Mediterranean diets can slow MS progression or reduce symptoms.

The Bottom Line

Based on current evidence, people with MS may benefit from adopting Mediterranean-style eating patterns rich in olive oil, fish, vegetables, fruits, and whole grains while limiting processed foods. However, dietary changes should complement, not replace, standard MS treatments.

This research is most relevant for people diagnosed with MS, their caregivers, and healthcare providers managing MS treatment. People at high risk for autoimmune diseases might also find this information useful for prevention strategies.

The review suggests that dietary effects on inflammation and immune function may occur relatively quickly, but meaningful impacts on MS progression would likely take months to years of consistent dietary changes to observe.

Want to Apply This Research?

  • Track daily servings of Mediterranean diet components: olive oil use, fish consumption (2-3 times weekly), vegetable and fruit intake (5+ servings daily), and processed food consumption
  • Gradually replace processed snacks and cooking oils with Mediterranean alternatives like nuts, olive oil, and fresh fruits while monitoring energy levels and any MS symptoms
  • Log Mediterranean diet adherence score weekly alongside any changes in fatigue, mood, or MS symptoms to identify personal patterns over 3-6 months

This information is for educational purposes only and should not replace medical advice. People with multiple sclerosis should consult their healthcare provider before making significant dietary changes, as individual needs may vary and dietary modifications should complement prescribed treatments.