Regular fish consumption may reduce the progression of disability in multiple sclerosis, new research suggests. Researchers followed people with MS over many years and found that those who ate more fish, especially those with the lean and fatty forms of MS, had a significantly lower risk of worsening symptoms. Even a small increase in fish intake after diagnosis appears to help.

Not only does fish contain omega-3s, another compound, taurine, may also play an important role in slowing the progression of multiple sclerosis. Scientists believe that taurine's anti-inflammatory and protective effects may change the treatment of neurological diseases such as multiple sclerosis.

People with multiple sclerosis (MS) who eat more lean meat and oily fish may help slow the progression of disability, according to a population-based study published today (February 25) in the Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery & Psychiatry.

Researchers believe that nutrients in fish have anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective effects. Their findings highlight the potential impact of diet in managing multiple sclerosis.

There is growing evidence that diet may influence inflammatory diseases, including multiple sclerosis. While previous research has shown that fish consumption in people with MS reduces disability, few studies have examined whether fish consumption slows or reduces the progression of disability.

To investigate further, the researchers analyzed data from 2,719 newly diagnosed MS patients in the Swedish Epidemiological Study of Multiple Sclerosis (EIMS) study, whose average age was 38 years. This nationwide case-control study included participants recruited between April 2005 and June 2015.

When registering, participants provided detailed information about their environmental exposures and lifestyle habits, including how often they consumed lean and oily fish. Fish intake was categorized as never or rarely, 1 to 3 times a month, or once a week, with scores ranging from 2 to 6 depending on the type and frequency of fish intake.

The Swedish Multiple Sclerosis Registry followed these patients for up to 15 years as their disease progressed using the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS).

Confirmed worsening of disability was defined as an increase in EDSS score of at least 1 point from baseline that was sustained between two examinations (at least 6 months apart).

Compared with those who ate no or very little fish, those with the highest fish intake at diagnosis had a 44% lower risk of worsening diagnosed disability, a 45% lower risk of progression to EDSS3, and a 43% lower risk of progression to EDSS4.

Trend analysis showed that the greater the intake of lean and oily fish, the lower the risk of confirmed disability worsening and progression to EDSS 3 and 4.

In 2021, 1,719 participants completed an online follow-up questionnaire assessing changes in fish intake over time. Some 412 people (24%) changed their fish intake: 288 people increased their fish intake; 124 people reduced their fish intake.

那些在确诊后5年内将鱼类摄入量从2-3分提高到5-6分的人（133人）与那些继续很少吃鱼或不吃鱼的人（400人）相比，确诊残疾恶化的风险降低了20%。

Only 16 participants improved their fish intake from a baseline of 2 points to 5-6 points, but their risk of worsening confirmed disability was reduced by 59% compared with those who maintained the lowest intake (101).

即使考虑到体育锻炼、体重（体重指数）、吸烟、酒精摄入量和日光照射等潜在影响因素，研究结果也是如此。 After further adjusting for vitamin D levels, the results remained similar.

This was an observational study, so firm conclusions about cause and effect cannot be drawn. The researchers say further research is needed to validate these findings and investigate the biological mechanisms behind them.

But they suggest that "while omega-3 fatty acids (mainly found in oily fish) may help reduce the progression of disability, the beneficial effects observed in eating less fatty fish suggest that other factors may also play an important role. One such factor is taurine, an amino acid found in high concentrations in fish and seafood."

They explain: "Taurine is the most abundant free amino acid in the brain, and while there are endogenous mechanisms to produce taurine, exogenous supply is necessary to meet physiological needs. Taurine has multiple cellular functions, including cytoprotection through antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, making it a potential drug for the treatment of neurological diseases."

The findings highlight the potential role of diet, particularly fish intake, as a modifiable factor that could complement existing MS treatment strategies.

Compiled from /ScitechDaily