Tuesday July 22, 2014 (foodconsumer.org) -- A new survey suggests that individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS) in the United States may be better off taking certain vitamin supplements depending upon the diet they follow.

The survey reveals that patients with MS often use complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) including supplements and herbal medicine and follow specific diets such as Paleo diet or Swank diet.

 The survey finds that 77% of the individuals with MS surveyed used CAM within the past 12 months, with the most commonly used CAM being vitamin and minerals (89%), natural health products (44%), special diets (30%) and relaxation techniques (33%).

The survey also finds the calories from fat and saturated fat higher than the current recommendations while dietary fiber intake met the recommendation only in 87% individuals with MS.  Those who followed the Paleo diet did not meet the Estimated Average Requirement for vitamin D and E while those who followed the Swank diet did not meet the EAR for vitamin A, C, E and folate.

The survey suggests that "Inadequate intakes of certain vitamins and minerals by those following the Swank and Paleo diet suggest these diets may be too restrictive, thus further research is warranted."

An early review of published surveys show 27 to 100% patients with  MS used CAM and the major reasons for choosing CAM were the ineffectiveness of conventional treatment, anecdotal report of the possible efficacy of CAM and doctor referral.

The most commonly used CAM included exercise, vitamins, herbal and mineral supplements, relaxation techniques, acupuncture, medical cannabis and massage.

The majority of symptoms CAM were used to treat included pain, fatigue and stress.  (David Liu)

References:

Olsen SA.  A review of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) by people with multiple sclerosis.  Occup Ther Int. 2009;16(1):57-70.

Masullo L, Papas MA, Cotugna N, Baker S, Mahoney L, Trabulsi J.  Complementary and Alternative Medicine Use and Nutrient Intake Among Individuals with Multiple Sclerosis in the United States.  J Community Health. 2014 Jul 1.