Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic progressive condition that affects the nervous system. Indirect evidence suggests that it may be an autoimmune disease wherein the immune system attacks the central nervous system. The many neurological symptoms of this condition are caused by a loss of the protective covering, or myelin, in the brain and spinal cord.

MS is more common among people who live in temperate climates compared with people in tropical climates who receive greater exposure to the sun. Possible causes for MS may include genetic susceptibility, diet, environmental toxins, exposure to dogs, cats, or caged birds,¹ and viral infections. Epstein-Barr virus has also been named as a risk factor,² though the real cause or causes of MS remain unclear.

In one of Dr. Swank's reports, a low-fat diet was recommended to 150 people with MS.³ Although hydrogenated oils, peanut butter, and animal fat (including fat from dairy) were dramatically reduced or eliminated, 5 grams per day of cod liver oil were added and linoleic acid from vegetable oil (see below) was used. After 34 years, 31% of individuals consuming an average of 17 grams of fat per day died compared with 79% of those who ate an average of 25 grams of fat per day. People who began to follow the low-fat diet early in the disease did better than those who changed their eating habits after the disease had progressed.

A survey of people in 36 different countries also suggests that the types of fat people eat might impact MS.⁴ In that report, people with MS who ate foods high in polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fatty acids had less chance of dying from MS than those who ate more saturated fats.⁵ In another survey, researchers gathered information from nearly 400 individuals (half with MS) over three years.⁶ They found that people who ate more fish had less risk of developing MS, while those who ate pork, hot dogs, and other foods high in animal (saturated) fats were at greater risk. This same report found consumption of vegetable protein, fruit juice, and foods rich in vitamin C, thiamine, riboflavin, calcium, and potassium correlated with a decreased MS risk; eating sweets was linked to an increased risk.

Despite research showing improvement with a low-fat diet in some people with MS, the link between foods containing animal fat and MS risk may not necessarily be due to the fat itself. Preliminary evidence from one report revealed an association between eating dairy foods (cow’s milk, butter, and cream) and an increased prevalence of MS, yet in the same report, no link was found between (high fat) cheese and MS.⁷

MS has been associated with a variety of dietary components apparently unrelated to fat intake,⁸ and the link between MS and diet remains poorly understood. Nonetheless, the most consistent links to date appear to involve certain foods containing animal fat. People with MS wishing to pursue a nutritional approach that incorporates an understanding of this research should consult with a doctor familiar with the "Swank diet."

Some people with MS avoid gluten (a protein found in wheat, rye, and barley) in hopes of diminishing symptoms, because a preliminary study reported that consumption of grain (bread and pasta) was linked to development of MS.⁹ However, another trial found an association between eating cereals and breads and reduced MS risk.¹⁰ Other researchers have found gluten sensitivity to be no more common among individuals with MS than among healthy people.¹¹ Therefore, it does not make sense for people to avoid gluten-containing foods with the expectation that doing so will reduce symptoms of MS.

Swiss researchers found that nicotine temporarily impairs arm movement in people with MS.¹⁸ When 21 individuals with MS smoked cigarettes, movement for 16 was diminished for ten minutes.

While the outcome of some research disputes the connection between MS and mercury,¹⁹ other investigations have reported an association between dental amalgams and this disease. One study reports that mercury levels in the hair of people with MS is higher than hair mercury levels in healthy individuals.²⁰ This same report found that people with MS who had their amalgam fillings removed experienced one-third fewer relapses than individuals who kept their fillings. Another preliminary trial found that people with a large number of fillings that had been in place for a long time appeared to be at increased risk for MS compared with those with fewer fillings.²¹ Preliminary evidence has also identified an association between tooth decay—as opposed to fillings—and multiple sclerosis.²² The importance of the reported links between mercury, tooth decay, and risk of MS remains poorly understood.

Animal studies have demonstrated that vitamin D can prevent an experimental form of multiple sclerosis. In humans, striking geographical differences in the prevalence of multiple sclerosis suggest that sun exposure (which promotes the synthesis of vitamin D) may protect against the development of the disease. While some scientists have theorized that vitamin D may help prevent MS, clinical trials are needed to validate that hypothesis.²⁹

Deficiency of thiamine (vitamin B1) may contribute to nerve damage.³² Many years ago, researchers found that injecting thiamine³³ into the spinal cord or using intravenous thiamine combined with niacin³⁴ in people with MS led to a reduction in symptoms. Using injectable vitamins requires medical supervision. No research has yet studied the effects of oral supplementation with B vitamins in people with MS.

Herbs that may be helpful: A commercial product containing 28 herbs and based on a traditional Tibetan formula, called Padma 28®, was given to 100 people with MS.³⁵ After taking two pills three times per day, 44% of these people experienced increased muscle strength and general overall improvement.

Inflammation of the nervous tissue is partly responsible for the breakdown of myelin in people with MS. When injections of ginkgo biloba were given to ten people with MS for five days, eight were reported to improve.³⁶ People wishing to explore the intravenous use of ginkgo should first consult with a physician skilled in herbal medicine.

Information about the effects of a particular supplement or herb on a particular condition has been qualified in terms of the methodology or source of supporting data (for example: clinical, double blind, meta-analysis, or traditional use). For the convenience of the reader, the information in the table listing the supplements for particular conditions is also categorized. The criteria for the categorizations are: "Primary" indicates there are reliable and relatively consistent scientific data showing a health benefit. "Secondary" indicates there are conflicting, insufficient, or only preliminary studies suggesting a health benefit or that the health benefit is minimal. "Other" indicates that an herb is primarily supported by traditional use or that the herb or supplement has little scientific support and/or minimal proven health benefit.

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