Efficacy of caffeine supplementation on fatigue in patients with multiple sclerosis: A randomized double-blind...

Fatigue represents a significant clinical challenge in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). Existing pharmacological interventions often demonstrate limited efficacy and may be associated with adverse effects. This study investigates the potential of caffeine to mitigate fatigue and enhance quality of life (QoL) in individuals diagnosed with MS.

In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study, individuals with multiple sclerosis and self-reported fatigue were administered either 100 mg of oral caffeine daily or a placebo over 12 weeks. The primary endpoint was the severity of fatigue, as assessed by the Multidimensional Fatigue Inventory (MFI-20). Secondary endpoints included quality of life, as measured by the SF-36, and the monitoring of adverse events throughout the study duration.

A clinical trial involving sixty participants was conducted. The group administered caffeine exhibited a statistically significant decrease in MFI-20 scores relative to baseline (P < 0.001) and compared to the placebo group (Mean difference of -8.55, P < 0.009). Furthermore, statistically significant improvements were noted across multiple domains of the SF-36, specifically in vitality, pain, emotional well-being, and physical functioning (P<0.05). Caffeine was well-tolerated among participants, with no serious adverse events reported.

Caffeine supplementation results in a significant reduction in fatigue and an improvement in quality of life and mood among patients with MS, with a favorable safety profile. These results suggest that caffeine may be a practical, readily available, and cost-effective therapeutic option for fatigue associated with MS.