The effects of modified anti-inflammatory diet on fatigue, quality of life, and inflammatory biomarkers in relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis patients: a randomized clinical trial

Abstract

Background:The role of dietary interventions in improving the symptoms of Multiple Sclerosis (MS) has always been considered, but few studies have been conducted in this area. This study aimed to investigate the effects of modified anti-inflammatory diet on fatigue, quality of life, and inflammatory markers among patients withRelapsing-Remitting Multiple Sclerosis (RRMS). Methods: This randomized clinical trial was conducted on 100 patients with RRMS. The patients were randomly divided into the diet group (anti-inflammatory diet) or the control group (healthy diet recommendations) for 12 weeks. Fatigue and quality of life were assessed by Modified Fatigue Impact Scale (MFIS) and Multiple Sclerosis Quality of Life (MSQoL-54), respectively. Anthropometric measures and inflammatory biomarkers, including Interleukin 17 (IL-17), Interleukin 4 (IL-4), and high sensitivity C-Reactive Protein (hs-CRP), were assessed at baseline and end of the study.Results: The results showed a significant improvement in MFIS as well as in physical and mental components of MSQoL-54 (p = 0.001, p = 0.015, and p = 0.003, respectively) in the diet group compared to the control group. The results also showed a significant increase in IL-4 level (p = 0.022). However, no significant changes were detected in IL-17 and hs-CRP levels (p = 0.091, 0.418, respectively).Conclusion: Modified anti-inflammatory diet could improve fatigue and quality of life and increase IL-4 level.