Eating Pattern and Nutritional Risks among People with Multiple Sclerosis Following a Modified Paleolithic Diet.
Study Goal
The researchers aimed to evaluate the nutritional safety of a modified Paleolithic diet in individuals with progressive multiple sclerosis (MS), focusing on micronutrient intake and potential deficiencies.
Results Summary
The modified Paleolithic diet was associated with minimal nutritional risks, though some micronutrient deficiencies (vitamin D, choline, calcium) were noted. Excessive intake from supplements raised concerns for exceeding tolerable upper limits of certain nutrients.
Population
Progressive multiple sclerosis (MS) participants (n = 19).
Effective Dosage
Not specified (dietary intake assessed via 24-h recalls).
Duration
Final months of a diet intervention study (exact duration not specified).
Interactions
None mentioned.
| Intervention | Direction | Endpoint | Population | Dosage | Impact | Claim # |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
modified Paleolithic diet | decrease | symptoms of fatigue | people with progressive multiple sclerosis (MS) | - | may benefit | #1 |
modified Paleolithic diet | decrease | eggs, dairy, and gluten-containing grains | - | - | restricts the consumption of | #2 |
modified Paleolithic diet | increase | micronutrient deficiencies | - | - | may increase the risk of | #3 |
modified Paleolithic diet | increase | intake of fruits and vegetables | progressive MS participants | nine servings/day | exceeded | #4 |
modified Paleolithic diet | increase | intake of all micronutrients from food | progressive MS participants | 100% NAR | were above | #5 |
modified Paleolithic diet | decrease | intake of vitamin D from food | progressive MS participants | 29.6 ± 34.6% NAR | were | #6 |
modified Paleolithic diet | decrease | intake of choline from food | progressive MS participants | 73.2 ± 27.2% NAR | were | #7 |
modified Paleolithic diet | decrease | intake of calcium from food | progressive MS participants | 60.3 ± 22.8% NAR | were | #8 |
modified Paleolithic diet | increase | Tolerable Upper Limit (UL) for zinc | one participant (1/19) | - | exceeded | #9 |
modified Paleolithic diet | increase | Tolerable Upper Limit (UL) for vitamin A | one participant (1/19) | - | exceeded | #10 |
modified Paleolithic diet | increase | chronic disease risk reduction (CDRR) for sodium | 37% (7/19) | - | exceeded | #11 |
supplements | increase | ULs for magnesium | 5/19 individuals | - | exceeded | #12 |
supplements | increase | ULs for zinc | 2/19 individuals | - | exceeded | #13 |
supplements | increase | ULs for sodium | 7/19 individuals | - | exceeded | #14 |
supplements | increase | ULs for vitamin A | 2/19 individuals | - | exceeded | #15 |
supplements | increase | ULs for vitamin D | 9/19 individuals | - | exceeded | #16 |
supplements | increase | ULs for vitamin C | 1/19 individuals | - | exceeded | #17 |
supplements | increase | ULs for vitamin B6 | 3/19 individuals | - | exceeded | #18 |
supplements | increase | ULs for niacin | 10/19 individuals | - | exceeded | #19 |
modified Paleolithic diet | increase | serum values of vitamin D | progressive MS participants | - | significantly increased | #20 |
modified Paleolithic diet | increase | serum values of vitamin B12 | progressive MS participants | - | significantly increased | #21 |
modified Paleolithic diet | increase | serum values of vitamin K1 | progressive MS participants | - | significantly increased | #22 |
modified Paleolithic diet | increase | serum values of vitamin K2 | progressive MS participants | - | significantly increased | #23 |
modified Paleolithic diet | increase | serum values of folate | progressive MS participants | - | significantly increased | #24 |
modified Paleolithic diet | decrease | serum values of homocysteine | progressive MS participants | - | were significantly lower | #25 |
modified Paleolithic diet | decrease | serum values of magnesium | progressive MS participants | - | were significantly lower | #26 |
modified Paleolithic diet | no change | serum levels of calcium | progressive MS participants | - | did not change | #27 |
modified Paleolithic diet | no change | serum levels of vitamin A | progressive MS participants | - | did not change | #28 |
modified Paleolithic diet | decrease | minimal nutritional risks | - | - | is associated with | #29 |
supplements | increase | excessive intake | - | - | may be of concern | #30 |
Preliminary studies suggest that a modified Paleolithic diet may benefit symptoms of fatigue in progressive multiple sclerosis (MS). However, this diet restricts the consumption of eggs, dairy, and gluten-containing grains, which may increase the risk of micronutrient deficiencies. Therefore, we evaluated the nutritional safety of this diet among people with progressive MS. Three nonconsecutive 24-h dietary recalls were collected from (n = 19) progressive MS participants in the final months of a diet intervention study and analyzed using Nutrition Data System for Research (NDSR) software. Food group intake was calculated, and intake of micronutrients was evaluated and compared to individual recommendations using Nutrient Adequacy Ratios (NARs). Blood was drawn at baseline and the end of the study to evaluate biomarker changes. Mean intake of fruits and vegetables exceeded nine servings/day and most participants excluded food groups. The intake of all micronutrients from food were above 100% NAR except for vitamin D (29.6 ± 34.6%), choline (73.2 ± 27.2%), and calcium (60.3 ± 22.8%), and one participant (1/19) exceeded the Tolerable Upper Limit (UL) for zinc, one (1/19) for vitamin A, and 37% (7/19) exceeded the chronic disease risk reduction (CDRR) for sodium. When intake from supplements was included in the analysis, several individuals exceeded ULs for magnesium (5/19), zinc (2/19), sodium (7/19), and vitamins A (2/19), D (9/19), C (1/19), B6 (3/19), and niacin (10/19). Serum values of vitamins D, B12, K1, K2, and folate significantly increased compared to respective baseline values, while homocysteine and magnesium values were significantly lower at 12 months. Calcium and vitamin A serum levels did not change. This modified Paleolithic diet is associated with minimal nutritional risks. However, excessive intake from supplements may be of concern.