Fatty acid may help combat multiple sclerosis

Press release:

The abnormal immune system response that causes multiple sclerosis (MS) by attacking and damaging the central nervous system can be triggered by the lack of a specific fatty acid in fat tissue, according to a new Yale study. The finding suggests that dietary change might help treat some people with the autoimmune disease.

The study was published Jan. 19 in The Journal of Clinical Investigation.

Fat tissue in patients diagnosed with MS lack normal levels of oleic acid, a monounsaturated fatty acid found at high levels in, for instance, cooking oils, meats (beef, chicken, and pork), cheese, nuts, sunflower seeds, eggs, pasta, milk, olives, and avocados, according to the study.

This lack of oleic acids leads to a loss of the metabolic sensors that activate T cells, that mediate the immune system’s response to infectious disease, the Yale team found. Without the suppressing effects of these regulatory T cells, the immune system can attack healthy central nervous system cells and cause the vision loss, pain, lack of coordination and other debilitating symptoms of MS.

When researchers introduced oleic acids into the fatty tissue of MS patients in laboratory experiments, levels of regulatory T cells increased, they found.

“We’ve known for a while that both genetics and the environment play a role in the development of MS,” said senior author David Hafler, William S. and Lois Stiles Edgerly Professor of Neurology and professor of immunobiology and chair of the Department of Neurology. “This paper suggests that one of environmental factors involved is diet.”

Hafler noted that obesity triggers unhealthy levels of inflammation and is a known risk factor for MS, an observation that led him to study the role of diet in MS.

He stressed, however, that more study is necessary to determine whether eating a diet high in oleic acid can help some MS patients.

###

Saige L. Pompura of the Yale School of Medicine is lead author of the study.

Advertisement:

SaleBestseller No. 1
The Multiple Sclerosis Diet Plan and Cookbook: 101 Easy Anti-Inflammatory Recipes
  • DeSantis MS RD CDN, Noelle (Author)
  • English (Publication Language)
  • 228 Pages - 12/17/2019 (Publication Date) - Callisto (Publisher)
SaleBestseller No. 2
Multiple Sclerosis For Dummies
  • Kalb, Rosalind (Author)
  • English (Publication Language)
  • 384 Pages - 05/08/2012 (Publication Date) - For Dummies (Publisher)
Bestseller No. 3
50 Pack Pcs Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Orange Ribbon Stickers for Water Bottles Waterproof Vinyl Laptop Luggage Inspirational Sticker Packs Teens Adults Aesthetic Small Decals
  • AESTHETIC STICKERS FOR WATER BOTTLES - Funny stickers for laptop will make your cool things become more colorful. With this pack of 20 pcs, there are no duplicates. Cute stickers for adults are not a random sticker pack, and vibrant funny stickers for teens will add color to life.
  • COOL STICKERS FOR TEENS AESTHETIC - These funny stickers for water bottles are made from durable vinyl, these cute stickers for journaling can be applied to any smooth, clean surface. These cute aesthetic stickers for girls are easy to apply and remove.
  • VINYL WATERPROOF STICKERS FOR WATER BOTTLES - These waterproof stickers have a strong adhesive that will not peel off your scrapbooking and are designed to withstand all weather conditions. They are applied to the outside of the vehicle, water bottles, helmets, phone cases, suitcases, laptops, computers, journaling, cups, tumblers, luggage, bikes, and more.
  • EASY TO APPLY - Just thoroughly clean and dry the surface you want to use. The decal should be carefully peeled off of its backing, precisely positioned, and gently applied to the required region.
  • CUSTOMER SUPPORT - We will make every effort to bring your happiness with our stickers. If you have any questions regarding your package or shipping, we are willing to support you!
SaleBestseller No. 4
The MSing Link: The Essential Guide to Improve Walking, Strength & Balance for People with Multiple Sclerosis
  • Hawley, Dr. Gretchen (Author)
  • English (Publication Language)
  • 173 Pages - 07/05/2023 (Publication Date) - Piper Publishing (Publisher)
SaleBestseller No. 5
Overcoming Multiple Sclerosis: The Evidence-Based 7 Step Recovery Program
  • Jelinek MD, George (Author)
  • English (Publication Language)
  • 504 Pages - 10/01/2016 (Publication Date) - Allen & Unwin (Publisher)
Bestseller No. 6
In My MS Warrior Era Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Month T-Shirt
  • MS Tee, Multiple Sclerosis Tee, Multiple Sclerosis Tee, MS Gifts, In My Warrior Era, Multiple Sclerosis Awareness, MS Awareness Month, MS Warrior, Strong Against MS, MS Warrior Era, Support MS Fighters, Orange Ribbon Support.
  • Perfect for supporting loved ones fighting Multiple Sclerosis during their journey. Ideal for Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Month events, walks, or casual outings. A meaningful way to spark conversations and inspire hope in the fight against MS.
  • Lightweight, Classic fit, Double-needle sleeve and bottom hem
SaleBestseller No. 7
MS and Your Feelings: Handling the Ups and Downs of Multiple Sclerosis
  • Used Book in Good Condition
  • Shadday LSCW, Allison (Author)
  • English (Publication Language)
  • 240 Pages - 12/28/2006 (Publication Date) - Hunter House (Publisher)
SaleBestseller No. 8
Landical 60 Pcs Orange Cancer Awareness Pin Bulk Leukemia Awareness Product Kidney Cancer Lapel Pins Gun Violence Multiple Sclerosis Lymphoma Orange Ribbon Items for Charity Public Social Events
  • Wide Variety Pack: our package includes 60 pieces of orange cancer awareness pins in 12 styles, 5 pieces for each style; This not only caters to larger groups like workplaces, cancer awareness events, or communal gatherings but also allows for personal use as well; Keep them for yourself or share them with your loved ones, it's your choice
  • Cancer Awareness: these orange awareness ribbon pins are dedicated to promoting cancer awareness; By wearing them, you align yourself with the fight against this disease, expressing solidarity with those affected; Get people talking, raise questions, and spread awareness to work towards a common goal
  • Conscious Material Choice: our cancer pins are crafted from iron, a metal known for its robustness and weight; This material ensures that the pins are significant and hard wearing, able to sustain regular use without losing their shine or form
  • Suitable for Multiple Occasions: alongside their symbolic nature, the style of these orange push pins makes them suitable for various occasions; Whether it's a formal event, a casual gathering, a cancer awareness campaign, or a simple day at the office, these pins can easily blend in, leveling up your style quotient
  • Versatile Use: these lung cancer pins can be applied to clothes, backpacks, scarves, or any fabric item, making them good for comprehensive use across various scenarios; This could be during cancer awareness events, charity events, runs or marches, or even as a day to day symbol of support
Bestseller No. 9
Track Multiple Sclerosis: A Detailed One Year Journal to Record MS Symptoms, Triggers, Medications and More.
  • M.G. Fields (Author)
  • English (Publication Language)
  • 265 Pages - 11/12/2021 (Publication Date) - Greatwood Books (Publisher)
SaleBestseller No. 10
Navigating Life with Multiple Sclerosis (Brain and Life Books)
  • Costello, Kathleen (Author)
  • English (Publication Language)
  • 248 Pages - 02/03/2025 (Publication Date) - Oxford University Press (Publisher)

I get commissions for purchases made through links on this website. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.