Changing the diet can help treat some people with multiple sclerosis (MS). This possibility is suggested by the discovery that the abnormal response of the immune system that causes autoimmune diseases by attacking and damaging the central nervous system could result from the absence of a specific fatty acid in the adipose tissue. The discovery was made on November 10 at The Journal of Clinical Investigation.

The lack of oleic acids in question

Adipose tissue in patients diagnosed with multiple sclerosis lack normal levels of oleic acid, a monounsaturated fatty acid. It can be found in high levels in cooking oils, meats, cheese, nuts, sunflower seeds, eggs, pasta, milk, olives, and avocados. “The deficiency of oleic acids leads to a loss of metabolic sensors that activate T cells that are involved in the immune system’s response to infectious diseases.Without the suppressive effects of these regulatory T cells, the immune system can attack healthy cells in the central nervous system and cause vision loss, pain, or impaired coordination.

When researchers introduced oleic acids into the adipose tissues of MS patients, the levels of regulatory T cells increased. “We have known for some time that genetics and the environment play a role in the development of MSResearchers wrote. This article indicates that diet is one of the environmental factors involved. They added that more studies are needed to determine whether a diet rich in oleic acid might help some patients with MS.

A disease that affects young people

Multiple sclerosis affects around 100,000 people in France. Known as young adult disease, it is most often diagnosed between the ages of 25 and 35 and attacks the central nervous system as the defense system is pushed away and attacks the protective sheath surrounding the nerve fibers. This autoimmune disease is characterized by feelings of fatigue, difficulty walking or problems concentrating. Thanks to a mobile app called Neurokeys, Researchers have been able to use the speed of typing on smartphones to track disease progression in people with multiple sclerosis.