Caloric restriction, which involves reducing daily calorie intake without causing malnutrition, has been studied for its potential effects on multiple sclerosis (MS) progression. MS is a chronic autoimmune disease where the immune system attacks the central nervous system, leading to inflammation, nerve damage, and disability over time. The idea behind caloric restriction as a therapeutic approach is that it might reduce inflammation, improve metabolic health, and influence immune function, potentially slowing disease progression or easing symptoms.
Research indicates that caloric restriction and related dietary strategies, such as intermittent fasting or ketogenic diets, can improve general health markers in people with MS. These improvements include better blood lipid profiles, reduced body weight, and lower blood pressure, which are important because obesity and metabolic dysfunction are known to worsen MS symptoms and progression. By improving these factors, caloric restriction may indirectly benefit people with MS by reducing systemic inflammation and metabolic stress that can exacerbate the disease.
However, clinical trials have shown that while caloric restriction and diets like fasting or ketogenic diets improve these health markers, they do not significantly reduce the formation of new brain lesions, which are a hallmark of MS progression. This suggests that caloric restriction alone may not directly halt or reverse the underlying neurological damage in MS but can contribute to a more stable disease course and better overall health.
Some studies also suggest that ketogenic diets, which mimic some effects of caloric restriction by shifting metabolism toward fat utilization and ketone production, may have additional benefits. These include modulation of the gut microbiota, which plays a crucial role in immune regulation, and reduction of oxidative stress. These effects could help balance immune responses and improve cellular energy metabolism, potentially supporting nerve cell health and resilience.
Moreover, caloric restriction and fasting have been linked to improvements in cognitive function and mood symptoms such as depression in people with MS. These benefits may arise from reduced inflammation and improved metabolic function in the brain, although more research is needed to confirm these effects and understand the mechanisms involved.
Adherence to caloric restriction or ketogenic diets can be challenging, and long-term safety and sustainability remain uncertain. While short-term studies show good tolerance, the impact of prolonged caloric restriction on nutritional adequacy and clinical outcomes in MS requires further investigation.
In summary, caloric restriction appears to offer several health benefits for people with MS, particularly by improving metabolic health and reducing systemic inflammation, which may help stabilize the disease and improve quality of life. However, it does not seem to directly reduce MS-related brain lesions or stop disease progression. It is best considered a complementary strategy alongside standard medical treatments rather than a standalone therapy.
