Ketogenic Diet-Based Therapy for Fatigue in Patients with Multiple Sclerosis

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Metabolic Medicine
• Nutritional Science

Background:

• Fatigue is a prevalent and debilitating symptom in multiple sclerosis (MS).
• Low-grade inflammation and impaired energy metabolism are implicated in MS-related fatigue.
• The ketogenic diet (KD), with its anti-inflammatory and metabolic effects, presents a potential therapeutic avenue.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the efficacy of the ketogenic diet (KD) in alleviating fatigue among patients with multiple sclerosis (MS).
• To assess the impact of KD on other common symptoms associated with MS, including sleep quality, mood, and overall quality of life.

Main Methods:

• An open-label, single-arm interventional study was conducted.
• Sixteen non-obese patients with MS adhered to a ketogenic diet (KD) for three months.
• Validated scales assessed fatigue, sleep, mood, and quality of life at baseline, 1 month, and 3 months.

Main Results:

• Significant reductions in fatigue severity were observed after three months on the KD.
• Improvements were noted in sleep quality, daytime somnolence, and depression and anxiety sub-scales.
• A notable enhancement in the energy sub-scale of the MS Quality of Life-54 was recorded.

Conclusions:

• The ketogenic diet (KD) shows promise as a therapeutic intervention for managing fatigue in multiple sclerosis (MS).
• KD may also positively influence other frequently associated symptoms in MS patients.
• Further investigation through larger randomized controlled trials is warranted to validate these findings.