Association Between Improved Serum Fatty Acid Profiles and Cognitive Function During a Dietary Intervention Trial in Relapsing-Remitting Multiple Sclerosis

Solange M. Saxby; Carlyn Haas; Farnoosh Shemirani; Tyler J. Titcomb; Patrick Ten Eyck; Linda M. Rubenstein; Karin F. Hoth; Linda G. Snetselaar; Terry L. Wahls

doi:10.7224/1537-2073.2023-037

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Association Between Improved Serum Fatty Acid Profiles and Cognitive Function During a Dietary Intervention Trial in Relapsing-Remitting Multiple Sclerosis

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Association Between Improved Serum Fatty Acid Profiles and Cognitive Function During a Dietary Intervention Trial in Relapsing-Remitting Multiple Sclerosis

Solange M. Saxby, Carlyn Haas, Farnoosh Shemirani, Tyler J. Titcomb, Patrick Ten Eyck, Linda M. Rubenstein, Karin F. Hoth, Linda G. Snetselaar and Terry L. Wahls

International journal of MS care, Vol.26(2), pp.61-68

03/01/2024

DOI: 10.7224/1537-2073.2023-037

PMCID: PMC10930804

PMID: 38482513

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Abstract

Abstract Background: Cognitive impairment is a common multiple sclerosis (MS)-related symptom that impacts quality of life (QOL). Diet interventions are shown to be beneficial in managing QOL, and the intake of essential fatty acids is linked with improved cognitive function. However, the effect of diets on serum fatty acid profiles and cognitive function is unknown. Methods: A previous randomized parallel-arm trial recruited participants with relapsing-remitting MS (N = 77). Study visits included 4 time points: run-in, baseline, 12 weeks, and 24 weeks. During the run-in phase, participants followed their usual diet and were then randomly assigned to either a modified paleolithic (Wahls) or a low saturated fat (Swank) diet at baseline. Assessments at study visits included cognitive function assessed by Symbol Digit Modalities Test-Oral (SDMT-O) and Perceived Deficits Questionnaire (PDQ), and serum fatty acids, including eicosapentaenoic (EPA), docosahexaenoic (DHA), and arachidonic (ARA) acids. Results: Both groups had significant improvements in all serum fatty acids (P < .01), except for ARA, as well as SDMT-O at 24-weeks (P < .05), total PDQ at 12- and 24-weeks (P < .01) compared to baseline values. The 12-week changes in omega-3 (EPA + DHA) index and EPA serum fatty acids were associated with SDMT-O changes (P ≤ .05); however, the changes in fatty acid levels did not mediate the effect of the diets on SDMT-O or PDQ (P > .05). Conclusions: Both diets led to improvements in serum fatty acid profiles and cognitive function, with associations between the 12-week omega-3 (EPA + DHA) index and EPA changes with SDMT-O.

Details

Title: Subtitle: Association Between Improved Serum Fatty Acid Profiles and Cognitive Function During a Dietary Intervention Trial in Relapsing-Remitting Multiple Sclerosis
Creators: Solange M. Saxby - University of Iowa
Carlyn Haas
Farnoosh Shemirani - University of Iowa
Tyler J. Titcomb - University of Iowa
Patrick Ten Eyck - University of Iowa
Linda M. Rubenstein - University of Iowa
Karin F. Hoth - University of Iowa
Linda G. Snetselaar - University of Iowa
Terry L. Wahls - University of Iowa
Resource Type: Journal article
Publication Details: International journal of MS care, Vol.26(2), pp.61-68
DOI: 10.7224/1537-2073.2023-037
PMID: 38482513
PMCID: PMC10930804
NLM abbreviation: Int J MS Care
ISSN: 1537-2073
eISSN: 2834-5398
Language: English
Electronic publication date: 09/29/2023
Date published: 03/01/2024
Academic Unit: Neurology; Psychiatry; Epidemiology; Iowa Neuroscience Institute; Biostatistics; Fraternal Order of Eagles Diabetes Research Center; General Internal Medicine; Internal Medicine; Design Biostat and Ethics
Record Identifier: 9984473411102771

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