In addition to the high salt content, the increased fat content (especially saturated fatty acids, ω-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids and trans fatty acids) is a characteristic of the western dietary style, the “western diet”. Fatty acids can be divided into unsaturated and saturated fats. It is currently assumed that the fatty acid saturation status and the length of a fatty acid (we talk about short-, medium- and long-chain fatty acids) are crucial in determining whether fatty acids promote or suppress inflammation.
Excessive intake of medium and long-chain saturated fatty acids is believed to play a role in the development of MS. However, these theses are not undisputed in the scientific world. In animal experiments, however, it was shown that animals that received a diet high in saturated medium- and long-chain fatty acids showed a severe disease progression. Saturated fatty acids such as palmitate and laurate (for example, found in high amounts in common nut nougat creams) are also capable of activating pro-inflammatory signaling pathways in innate immune cells.
In contrast to the medium and long-chain saturated ones, polyunsaturated fatty acids seem to lower the MS risk. A recently published study showed that the intake of the polyunsaturated fatty acid α-linolenic acid (ω-3 fatty acid predominantly of plant origin – hemp oil, linseed oil, etc.) has a protective effect.
While ω-3 unsaturated fatty acids are therefore attributed with anti-inflammatory properties, the opposite effect is attributed to ω-6 unsaturated fatty acids (e.g. linoleic acid, arachnoid acid). Despite this general view, however, feeding ω-6-saturated fatty acids in the animal model showed a rather protective effect on the course of the disease. The initial situation is quite confusing, isn’t it? In the end, anyone who wants to “sell” something can choose the appropriate study….
Therefore, I find it very important to focus on a so-called Cochrane analysis. The Cochrane Collaboration is a worldwide network of scientists and doctors. The aim is to create systematic review articles to evaluate medical therapies. All available data on a question is the basis. The Cochrane Collaboration works according to methodological rules to exclude systematic errors. Moreover, the highest premise is the renunciation of financial support by the pharmaceutical or medical industry to ensure independence.
After such an analysis of the available randomized studies of dietary intervention with polyunsaturated fatty acids, no effect on MS could be demonstrated at all. Nevertheless, capsules with unsaturated fatty acids, EPA, DHA and whatever they are called are still selling very well…
In my opinion, the question arises whether it is not the balance of saturated and unsaturated fatty acids – i.e. our dietary composition with animal and plant fats – that is important, rather than the intake of a single substance/fatty acid. Such a balance is probably primarily achievable through a balanced diet, and not through dietary supplements. Furthermore, it may not be deniable that excessive fat consumption per se as a prerequisite for obesity and lack of exercise is the main risk factor in connection with MS.
This was part 1/4. The further contributions around nutrition and Multiple Sclerosis (MS) can be found here:
