People with MS may have lower levels of nutrients

According to a new study just released today that will be presented at the American Academy of Neurology’s 67th Annual Meeting in Washington, DC, April 18 to 25, 2015, women with multiple sclerosis (MS) may have lower levels of important antioxidant and anti-inflammatory nutrients, such as folate and vitamin E than healthy people.

In this study, researchers selected 27 Caucasian women with MS and compared them to 30 Caucasian women between the ages of 18-60. The participants reported their diet and nutrition over the previous year prior to starting vitamin D supplementation.

On average, the women with MS had lower levels of 5 nutrients with antioxidant or anti-inflammatory properties including folate, vitamin E, magnesium, lutein-zeaxanthin and quercetin. The women with MS had average folate consumption of 244 mcg, while the healthy women had an average consumption of 321 mcg (RDA is 400 mcg). In addition, the women with MS had average magnesium consumption of 254 mg, while the healthy women had an average magnesium of 321 mg. Also, the women with MS had a lower average percentage of their calories from fat than the healthy participants.

MS is a chronic inflammatory autoimmune disorder. It is important to assess the nutrient status of the person. Many specialty labs can do this through organic acids, RBC nutrients, serum fat-soluble vitamins, and plasma fatty acid profiles. Having enough nutrients may help prevent the disease or reduce the risk of attacks for those who already have MS. Antioxidants are essential to optimal health and reduce the effects of other types of damage that can occur on a cellular level and contribute to neurologic diseases like MS. This study was supported by the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS).

In addition, with all autoimmune diseases it is important to assess gastrointestinal health. We know that pathogenic cells disrupt the intestines. A leaky gut enables harmful bacteria and toxic substances in the body to enter the intestine, which creates even more inflammation. Current research supports that a damaged intestinal barrier can prevent the body ending an autoimmune reaction in the normal manner leading to a chronic disease. MS treatment should also be focused on the intestines by repairing and restoring the intestinal barrier.

Source: Multiple sclerosis patients differ from healthy controls on antioxidant and anti-inflammatory nutrients from self-reported diet history, Sandra D. Cassard, et al,. due to be presented at the American Academy of Neurology’s 67th Annual Meeting in Washington, DC, April 2015.

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