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The Effects of Omega-3 on MS

Diet recommendations for MS patients vary among different physicians. There is some agreement, however, that a diet rich in Omega-3 fatty acids may have some effect in alleviating the complications associated with MS. There is no consensus on what the overall health benefits of Omega-3 fatty acids are for MS patients. Some studies, however, seem to indicate positive effects associated with the consumption of Omega-3 fatty acids for MS patients.

  1. Improved Immune System Response

    • MS is believed to be an auto-immune deficiency in which the immune system has an allergic response to the body's nervous system. Although the evidence is not conclusive, various studies have concluded that diets rich in Omega-3 fatty acids seem to correlate with better immune system response (i.e., fewer reactions) in MS patients.

    Effect on Depression

    • MS patients are known to suffer from frequent bouts of depression. In a recently published article in the "Journal of Behavioral Medicine," Robin Aupperele, et al. have noted that there seems to be some indication that both MS patients and those suffering from severe psychiatric depression also suffer from deficiencies in Omega-3 fatty acids. Although the dietary intake of fatty acids showed no statistically significant positive changes as a result of the consumption of Omega-3 fatty acids, the probability that there is some connection between the deficiency and the onset of depression remains high.

    MS Prevention

    • Most studies recognize that a diet rich in Omega-3 fatty acids is not a sure-fire way to prevent MS. Ashton Embrey's article in "The Journal of Nutritional and Environmental Medicine" ("The Multiple Factors of Multiple Sclerosis: A Darwinian Perspective"; December, 2004) notes the increase in the incidences of MS over the last 200 years and the environmental factors (infectious agents and other dietary changes) that may have contributed to this change. When coupled with a deficiency in Omega-3 fatty acids, the evidence, although inconclusive, points to a need to follow basic dietary procedures and guidelines, which include the regular consumption of Omega-3 fatty acids.

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