Diet and Multiple Sclerosis: Scoping Review of Web-Based Recommendations

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Nutrition Science
• Health Informatics

Background:

• No definitive scientific evidence supports specific diets for multiple sclerosis (MS) management.
• Dietary associations in MS are strongest with vitamin D and omega-3 fatty acid supplementation.
• Numerous websites offer unverified dietary advice for MS symptom and progression management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review and assess the quality of online dietary advice for symptomatic management of multiple sclerosis (MS).

Main Methods:

• Systematic review of webpages found via Google, Yahoo, and Bing using the search term "MS diet" (November 2016).
• Inclusion of the first two pages of search results, with duplicate removal.
• Extraction of dietary recommendations, rationale, and scientific citations; assessment of authorship and credentials.

Main Results:

• 32 webpages provided varied dietary advice for MS, commonly recommending low-fat, high-fiber, Swank, or Paleo diets.
• Supplements (omega-3, vitamin D), fruits, vegetables, and lean protein were frequently suggested for inclusion.
• Saturated fats, dairy, gluten, and refined sugar were commonly advised for exclusion, though scientific backing was minimal.
• Only 9 webpages offered complete authorship and credential information.

Conclusions:

• Web-based dietary advice for MS is abundant, often contradictory, and largely based on anecdotal evidence rather than scientific testing.
• The impact of this unverified information on individuals with MS remains unknown.
• Health professionals play a vital role in guiding individuals with MS through health information-seeking behaviors.