The Role of Some Nutritional Supplements in the Treatment of Multiple Sclerosis: A Review Article

Abstract

Background & aim: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune disease with unknown cause and complex pathogenesis, characterized by chronic inflammation, demyelination and loss of neurons. This disease usually manifests as movement disorders, vision disorders, or sensory problems. The etiology of MS is not precisely known, although environmental factors such as nutrition, physical inactivity, smoking and low vitamin D concentration play a role in this case. Researches show that patients with MS are at risk of malnutrition and reduced intake of micronutrients due to inactivity, anorexia, depression and side effects of drugs. Many studies have investigated the effects of nutrients and dietary patterns in patients with MS, however, the role of diet and nutrients in the progression of the disease is not well known. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to determine the role of some nutritional supplements in the treatment of multiple sclerosis. Methods: In the present narrative review article, reliable Persian and English databases including Google Scholar, Pubmed, Scopus, Magiran were searched and articles that studied the effect of nutritional supplements in the treatment of multiple sclerosis were reviewed. Results: The results of the present review study indicated that some nutrients such as vitamin D, vitamin A, biotin, as well as omega-3 fatty acids and probiotics may improve disability, reduce disease progression, reduce disease recurrence, improve fatigue and depression in patients. get MS Conclusion: Considering that some nutrients can improve the inflammatory response and oxidative stress in MS patients, a suitable nutritional intervention or following a healthy diet may improve the severity and symptoms of MS and as a Possible complementary treatment should be considered in this disease.

Keywords

• nutrition
• multiple sclerosis
• water-soluble vitamins
• fat-soluble vitamins