Randomized control trial evaluation of a modified Paleolithic dietary intervention in the treatment of relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis: a pilot study.
Level 2 - randomized trial
Individual randomized controlled trial
PubMed 30050374 · doi:10.2147/DNND.S116949
What was done
A pilot randomized controlled trial evaluated the effects of a modified Paleolithic dietary intervention (MPDI) compared to a control group maintaining their usual diet in adults with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS). A total of 34 participants were randomized. Measured outcomes included the Fatigue Severity Scale, the Multiple Sclerosis Quality of Life-54, the 9-Hole Peg Test (dominant hand), and serum vitamin K levels.
What was found
Seventeen participants completed the protocol (8 in the MPDI group, 9 in the control group; one man in each group). The abstract reports statistically significant improvements in the MPDI group compared to controls for Fatigue Severity Scale scores, Multiple Sclerosis Quality of Life-54 scores, and 9-Hole Peg Test completion times from baseline. MPDI participants also showed an increase in post-protocol serum vitamin K levels compared to controls. The abstract reports no exact numerical values, effect sizes, or p-values.
Why it matters
Previous studies evaluated Paleolithic diets in progressive multiple sclerosis alongside exercise; this pilot provides preliminary indication that dietary modification alone might improve fatigue, dexterity, and quality of life in relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis.
Limits
The sample size was very small (34 randomized, 17 completed), reflecting a 50% attrition rate. The completed cohort was predominantly female (15 women, 2 men). The abstract does not report the duration of the intervention, baseline values, dietary compliance, adverse events, or any numerical statistics (means, standard deviations, confidence intervals, or p-values).
Cited by
- supports Dr. Terry Wahls has published studies showing positive clinical results using a functional medicine diet and lifestyle approach for multiple sclerosis.