Low fat dietary intervention with ω-3 fatty acid supplementation in multiple sclerosis patients

Gas Chromatography Results Interpretation: Absolute Amounts Versus Relative Percentages

“…Fatty acids have been implicated in the pathogenesis and treatment of multiple sclerosis (Zamaria, 2004;Harbige & Sharief, 2007). However, although some studies reported an improvement in symptoms during fatty acid supplementation (Bates et al 1978;Nordvik et al 2000;Weinstock-Guttman et al 2005;Harbige & Sharief, 2007) others found no improvement in the disease progression of patients (Paty et al 1978;Farinotti et al 2007). Therefore, it is important to investigate fatty acid metabolic abnormalities and possible treatment with fatty acid supplements in a disease such as multiple sclerosis carefully and comprehensively.…”

Docosahexaenoic Acid (DHA), in the Prevention and Treatment of Neurodegenerative Diseases

“…Some of these beneficial effects have been observed even in patients who consume a diet low in fat, but supplemented with n-3 LCPUFA of marine origin (fish oil). However, the evidence regarding a benefic in the progression of MS is not yet fully conclusive (Weinstock-Guttman et al, 2005). Considering the information currently available, it is not yet possible to establish a direct association between the consumption of n-3 LCPUFA and a lower incidence of MS, more studies are required on the issue (Weinstock-Guttman et al, 2005;Marcheselli et al, 2003).…”

“…However, the evidence regarding a benefic in the progression of MS is not yet fully conclusive (Weinstock-Guttman et al, 2005). Considering the information currently available, it is not yet possible to establish a direct association between the consumption of n-3 LCPUFA and a lower incidence of MS, more studies are required on the issue (Weinstock-Guttman et al, 2005;Marcheselli et al, 2003). A study showed a relationship between reduced risk of this disease and the consumption of fish, but only among women (Nordvik et al, 2000).…”

“…Several studies have shown that a reduction in the dietary fat intake and changes in the relationship n-6/n-3 produce changes in the immune response (Kew et al, 2003). The use of nutritional supplements rich in n-3 LCPUFA is associated with a reduced activity and plasma levels of circulating immune cells (lymphocytes, polymorph nuclear neutrophils and monocytes), including the reduction in the production of inflammatory mediators (Weinstock-Guttman et al, 2005;Nordvik et al, 2000). Moreover, a reduction in the intake of n-3 LCPUFA improves a number of indexes associated with the immune response, including lymphocyte proliferation, increased macrophage activity and cytokine production (Serhan et al, 2000).…”

Role of Fatty Acids in the Resolution of Autoimmune and Inflammatory Diseases

“…Two double blind controlled clinical trials have been carried out to evaluate the effect of fish oil in the disease without significant findings. In these trials olive oil was used as a placebo again and although nonsignificant trends, toward less disability and certain improvements in quality of life, have been found the results are inconclusive (Bates et al, 1989;Weinstock-Guttman et al, 2005). However others researchers have found beneficial effects of fish oil in MS patients.…”