Multiple Sclerosis 5- Omega 3 Fatty Acids

The point of this series on MS is not to provide alternatives to conventional management.  Rather, we need to identify all the options that are complementary.  This article states that the complementary therapies, "most frequently used include diet, omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants." Expert Rev Clin Immunol 2010 May;6(3):381-95.

You may find it interesting that modalities that are often attributed to simply being part of a healthy lifestyle are now considered to be a therapy.  We have come to the point where a healthy diet is now considered "therapy" rather than being a mainstream, commonplace habit.  

Many people, even those without disease, use omega 3 fatty acids.  Their heart and brain-protective effects have been well documented.   They are also well accepted as being a potent anti-inflammatory agent.  As inflammation is so common in a variety of diseases, omega 3s may be helpful in conditions ranging from fatty liver disease, depression, osteoporosis, and of course.... multiple sclerosis.

One study examined the therapeutic use of omega 3 fatty acids on several immune markers.  The researchers found that one particular indicator of immune activity, matrix metalloproteinase-9, was reduced after 3 months of aggressive supplementation (9.6 grams/day.  Many experts recommend 1 g/day for general health purposes).  The authors conclude that  "omega-3 FA may have a potential therapeutic role in RRMS (relapsing-remitting MS) patients." Prostaglandins Leukt Essent Fatty Acids 2009 Feb-Mar;80(2-3):131-6. Epub 2009 Jan 25.

Several animal studies also show promise in the use of omega 3s in MS management.  DHA, a component of fish oil, was shown to calm the immune response in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis, the animal model of MS.  Given the promise of modulating the immune response (and therefore the attack on myelin), researchers continue to actively investigate the possible use of MS.  Currently, the use of fish oil is not a standard of care in MS management. Results of many other scientific studies have been mixed.

But while researchers figure this out, what will you do? One option is to wait another 10 years for more conclusive data to emerge.  Another option is to recognize that sick or healthy, omega 3 fatty acids are necessary for ideal physiological outcomes.  Omega 3s are not a magic pill that will cure MS.  Perhaps taken alone, they may have minimal effect.  But what if omega 3s calmed inflammation, vitamin D helped modulate the immune response & probiotics restored normal gut activity?  Could there be a synergistic effect that will take decades for science to quantify? (I mention these 3 because these were mentioned in previous posts. There are, of course, other options).

I will admit that figuring out the appropriate dosage of omega 3s can be tricky.  As mentioned, many people take 1 g/day while the therapeutic dose used in some trials is over 9 grams.  But working with your physician, you should be able to monitor levels through simple blood tests that serve as a guideline.