Fatty Acid Deficiency Might Trigger MS

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a serious and debilitating condition. But new evidence may shed some light on a possible trigger and how we might reduce our risks. It might all come down to the amount of fatty acid in our diets. Let’s take a closer look at the link between fatty acid deficiency and MS.

What is Multiple Sclerosis?

MS is a condition that affects the central nervous system. It’s an abnormal immune response in which the body’s own immune system attacks the central nervous system and damages it. Over time, that damage leads to MS patients having less control over their bodies. It can also cause pain, fatigue, headaches, vision loss, and a lack of coordination.

Patients with MS may struggle with the basic tasks of daily living and at some point many may end up needing mobility assistance such as a cane or wheelchair. Some cases of MS progress faster than others, and some don’t seem to progress at all beyond diagnosis. But there’s no cure for MS and the plan is usually symptom reduction in those diagnosed with it.

How Does the Immune System Use Fatty Acid?

In some patients diagnosed with MS, the fat tissue in the body may lack oleic acid, a monounsaturated fat found in meat, cooking oils, eggs, and other foods. 

The lack of oleic acid can disrupt the ability of metabolic sensors to activate T cells. And when T cells don’t activate properly, the immune system may attack healthy cells, thus potentially leading to nervous system damage and the development MS symptoms. 

It's possible that over time, more and more damage may be done to the nervous system, which could create MS’s progression. So getting more fatty acid into the diet of someone with MS could mean that their T cell counts increase and that may slow the progression of MS, or perhaps even stop that progression for some.

How Should Fatty Acid Be Included in the Diet?

Several foods are known to have an abundance of oleic acid. These include olives, nuts, avocados, sunflower seeds, olive oil and other edible oils, meats like chicken and beef, milk, pasta, eggs, and cheese. The higher concentrations of oleic acid in these types of foods may have the potential to combat MS.

While there aren’t any guarantees that a diet rich in these foods will prevent or treat MS, past information has indicated that MS often has an environmental component. Because of that, adjusting the environment may reduce the risk. It may also reduce the severity and progression of symptoms in a patient who has already been diagnosed.

With so many foods on the list of options, it’s easy for most people to get more oleic acid into their diet and the FDA has recently agreed that consuming oleic acid could also help reduce the risk of coronary heart disease. While it may or may not reduce the risk of developing MS, it’s a simple, and scientifically-backed, way to help combat the potential for the development of a debilitating condition. For those who are at risk, more fatty acids may be just what’s needed to keep MS at bay.

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