Multiple sclerosis is the most common chronic inflammatory autoimmune disease affecting the central nervous system. Its prevalence is increasing, with an estimated 2.8 million people affected worldwide. The development of multiple sclerosis is associated with various factors, including Epstein-Barr virus, ultraviolet B radiation, smoking, vitamin D deficiency, and genetic predisposition. This disease is more prevalent in Western countries, thereby indicating that nutrition might be an additional risk factor, as typical Western diets high in energy, saturated fats, and sugars are linked to neuroinflammation.
Ketogenic diet and intermittent fasting have shared aspects, as ketogenic diet was created to replicate the effects of fasting. Patients demonstrate a considerable interest in these dietary approaches – as diet is the most frequently searched self-management strategy among individuals with multiple sclerosis, according to internet search data. When it comes to the effects of these diets for multiple sclerosis patients, ketogenic diet tends to provide more consistent improvements in physical, cognitive, and emotional symptoms, while intermittent fasting mainly enhances cognition and the quality of life. Both diets appear to be safe and feasible, with mostly mild and temporary side effects, although the disease duration, disability level, and relapse rate may influence the likelihood of adverse events.
This literature review explores the effects of ketogenic diet and intermittent fasting for multiple sclerosis patients, including symptom, metabolic, and body composition changes, as well as adverse events, patient perceptions and adherence challenges.
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.