Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 14, 2026
Comprehensive Autopsy Program for Individuals with Multiple Sclerosis
Published on: July 19, 2019
Alpha-linolenic acid associations with disability and brain volume in multiple sclerosis: a brief replication report
Max Korbmacher1,2, Kjell-Morten Myhr1,3, Stig Wergeland1,3,4
1Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway.
Objective:
To replicate and extend recent findings, suggesting that higher serum alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) levels are associated with reduced disease activity and progression in multiple sclerosis (MS).
Methods:
We reanalysed clinical trial data from 85 people with MS who had serum ALA using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and clinical (EDSS, PASAT) assessments, collected for 2 years, with additional follow-up at 12-years. Linear and mixed models were used to assess the relationship between ALA and clinical and MRI outcomes. Mediation analyses tested whether ALA mediated associations between brain volume or T2 lesion load and disability.
Results:
ALA measures were consistent over time (κ = 0.83). Higher ALA predicted lower EDSS (β = -0.41, 95% CI [-0.73, -0.08]) and larger brain volume (β = 0.22, 95% CI [0.09, 0.36]). ALA was a non-significant mediator of brain volume or lesion effects on EDSS and did not predict long-term clinical or cognitive changes.
Discussion:
We replicate prior associations between higher serum ALA levels and reduced disability in MS and extend these by showing a beneficial association of serum ALA with brain volume. However, ALA did not predict long-term progression, limiting its prognostic value.
Insights
Higher serum alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) levels are linked to reduced multiple sclerosis (MS) disability and better brain volume. However, ALA did not predict long-term MS progression.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Nutritional Science
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic autoimmune disease affecting the central nervous system.
- Previous research suggests a potential link between higher serum alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) levels and reduced MS disease activity.
- Further investigation is needed to confirm and extend these findings.
Purpose of the Study:
- To replicate and extend previous findings on the association between serum ALA levels and MS disease activity and progression.
- To investigate the relationship between ALA and clinical and MRI outcomes in individuals with MS.
Main Methods:
- Re-analysis of clinical trial data from 85 individuals with MS.
- Serum ALA levels were measured, alongside magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and clinical assessments (EDSS, PASAT) over 2 years with 12-year follow-up.
- Linear and mixed models were employed to analyze the data, with mediation analyses conducted.
Main Results:
- Serum ALA measurements demonstrated consistency over time.
- Higher serum ALA levels were associated with lower Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) scores and larger brain volumes.
- ALA did not significantly mediate the effects of brain volume or T2 lesion load on EDSS and did not predict long-term clinical or cognitive changes.
Conclusions:
- The study replicates the association between higher serum ALA levels and reduced disability in MS.
- Serum ALA shows a beneficial association with brain volume in MS patients.
- The prognostic value of ALA for long-term MS progression appears limited.
