Functional Outcomes From Diets in Multiple Sclerosis

Launched by UNIVERSITY OF ALABAMA AT BIRMINGHAM · Apr 6, 2022

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is looking at how two different diet plans might help people with multiple sclerosis (MS) feel better and improve their daily lives. Specifically, the study will test a diet that focuses on lowering the amount of sugar and carbohydrates (glycemic load) and a diet that restricts calories. Researchers want to see if these diets can help with physical function, thinking skills, pain, fatigue, mood, and anxiety. They will also check how these diets affect inflammation and other health markers in the body.

To join the study, participants must be diagnosed with relapsing-remitting MS or secondary progressive MS and have a body mass index (BMI) between 25 and 50, meaning they are overweight or obese. They should be able to walk at least 100 meters, either with or without help. Participants should also have been stable on their MS treatments for the past six months or not have taken any MS treatments in the last six months. The study is open to adults aged 18-74, and both men and women can participate. Those who join can expect to follow a specific diet plan and help researchers learn more about the effects of diet on MS.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Diagnosed with RRMS or SPMS
• • BMI 25-50 kg/m2 (overweight/obese)
• • EDSS ≤6.5 (able to walk 100m with or without assistance)
• • If on disease-modifying treatment (DMT), stable for 6 months
• • If not on DMT, no DMT in previous 6 months
• • No expected change to DMT in next 34 weeks
• • Responsible for food preparation or have input into food preparation
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • MS relapse in previous 30 days
• • Unable to walk 25 feet with or without assistive device
• • Pregnant or breastfeeding
• • Current use of insulin or sulfonylurea agents
• • Score indicating low cognitive functioning on the Telephone Interview for Cognitive Status (TICS-m) assessment
• • Actively engaged in a weight loss program or unwilling to follow assigned dietary pattern
• • Unable to receive, store, or prepare food according to diet plan
• • Medical contraindication to either treatment or control diet (including severe allergies that cannot be accommodated within either group)