The early study also discovered that individuals with MS may feel less fatigue and depression and report enhanced quality of life while on low carb diet.

People with multiple sclerosis(MS) may benefit from a ketogenic diet, which consists mostly of meat, fish, eggs, heavy cream, butter, oils, and non-starchy vegetables such as pea pods, carrots, broccoli, and peppers, says a preliminary study published today.

The early study also discovered that individuals with MS may feel less fatigue and depression and report enhanced quality of life while on the diet.

Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Diet

“A ketogenic diet, which is high in fats, adequate in protein, and low in carbohydrates, allows the body to utilize fat as its primary source of energy instead of sugars, thus mimicking a fasting state,” explains the study author.

Why ketogenic diet is good for Multiple Sclerosis (MS)?

“A ketogenic diet helps lower blood sugar levels in people with type II diabetes and improve seizure control in people with epilepsy. However, it has not been well-studied in people with MS. Diet changes can be an inexpensive way to improve overall health, so our study explored whether eating a ketogenic diet is safe, tolerable and beneficial for people living with MS.” 

A total of 65 patients with relapsing-remitting MS were enrolled in the trial. The most prevalent form of MS is relapsing-remitting MS, which is characterized by symptom flare-ups followed by periods of remission.

Participants in the study followed a ketogenic diet for six months. They were told to eat two to three ketogenic meals per day, consisting of one to two servings of low-carbohydrate proteins like eggs, fish, or meat, two to four tablespoons of fat like butter, oil, avocado, ghee, or heavy cream, and one to two cups of non-starchy vegetables like cucumbers, leafy greens, or cauliflower, and one to two cups of non-starchy vegetables like cucumbers, leafy greens, or cauliflower. Snacks were permitted as long as the maximum daily carbohydrate requirement of 20 grams was adhered to. Daily urine tests to assess ketones, a metabolite produced by the body when it burns fats, were used to track adherence to the diet. The diet was followed by 83 percent of the participants for the duration of the research. 

To determine the level of disability and quality of life, participants completed tests and surveys before starting the diet and again at three and six months after starting the diet.

Researchers discovered that participants not only had less body fat after six months, but they also had lower levels of fatigue and depression.

The survey included questions like, “Did you have a lot of energy over recent weeks?” “Did you feel worn out?” “Have you been a happy person?” and “Have you felt downhearted and blue?”

The questionnaire gave participants a physical and mental health score that ranged from 0 to 100, with higher scores indicating greater physical and mental health. At the start of the trial, participants had an average physical health score of 67, which increased to 79 by the end. At the start of the trial, participants had an average mental health score of 71, which increased to 82 by the end.

On a typical MS disease progression exam, scores also improved. On a scale of one to ten, with one representing no handicap, two representing minor disability, and three representing moderate disability but still being able to walk, the average participant score at the start of the trial was 2.3, compared to 1.9 at the end. Participants walked an average of 1,631 feet at the start of the trial and 1,733 feet at the end of a six-minute walking test.

Researchers also obtained blood samples and discovered that participants’ levels of inflammatory markers in the blood had improved.

“Our study provides evidence that a ketogenic diet may indeed be safe and beneficial, reducing some symptoms for people with MS, when used over a six-month period,” add the study authors. “However, more research is needed because there are potential risks associated with ketogenic diets, such as kidney stones, digestive issues and nutrient deficiencies. It is important that people with MS consult with their doctor before making any big changes to their diet, and that they be regularly monitored by a physician and registered dietitian while on a ketogenic diet.” 

A study limitation was the absence of a control group of persons with multiple sclerosis who followed a non-ketogenic diet.

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