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Multiple Sclerosis and Fatty
Acids
Epidemiological studies over the last few decades have revealed
that Multiple Sclerosis strikes much more frequently among those
living in the higher latitudes than among those living closer
to the equator. In fact, the National Multiple Sclerosis Society
reports that individuals living above the 37th parallel have
nearly double the risk of developing the disease.
One possible explanation given by researchers is that reduced
exposure to sunlight in higher latitudes alters normal secretion
of melatonin by the pineal gland, creating an immunosuppressant
effect that sets the stage for developing the disease.1 Others
have suggested that the lack of sunlight spurs chronic Vitamin
D deficiencies that initiate the cascade of immune events causing
MS.2
However important the role of sunlight, most researchers suspect
that dietary factors are also strongly involved in this geographic
distribution pattern. Japan is, after all, a notable exception
to the high latitude/high MS incidence relationship, having an
extremely low MS rate (although native Japanese who move to Hawaii
experience an increased incidence of MS). Moreover, inland areas
of Norway have a much higher MS rate than coastal areas of Norway,
and the Faroe Islands experienced virtually no cases of MS among
its native population until it came under Western influence and
their indigenous diet changed.
The common dietary factor apparent in these regional exceptions
to the high latitude "rule" for MS is a higher consumption
of fish, combined with a lower consumption of meats, grains,
and dairy products. Indeed, a multivariate analysis of MS risk
factors in the U.S. found higher meat and dairy consumption and
lower fish consumption directly correlating with increased MS
risk.3 More specifically, Belgian researchers examined mortality
rates for MS and found that a relatively low ratio of polyunsaturated
fats to saturated fats was independently associated with MS fatality.4
Fatty acids are highly concentrated within the tissue of the
central nervous system. Two polyunsaturated fatty acid groups,
omega-3 and omega-6, are believed to play a crucial role in the
etiology of MS. Deficiencies of these essential
fatty acids (EFAs) can seriously impair myelin synthesis5--the
dysfunctional mechanism that triggers MS. The balance of these
EFAs also influences the production of locally acting hormones
called eicosanoids, which modulate the inflammatory symptoms
in MS and other degenerative conditions.1
In fact, whether the body uses eicosanoids to produce pro-inflammatory
or anti-inflammatory leukotrienes is dependant upon on the metabolic
balance between omega-3 and omega-6 oils. Inflammatory leukotrienes
have been singled out as the agents possibly responsible for
disrupting the blood-brain barrier in MS--a pivotal dysfunction
in the etiology of MS.1
Clinical examination of red blood cells and fat tissue of
MS patients has revealed staggering deficiencies of omega-3 oils,
including docosahexaenoic and eicosapentaenoic acids.6 Other
studies have called attention to suboptimal levels of omega-6
linoleic acid patients with MS--and noted that severity of attacks
can be reduced with proper intervention.5 As David Perlmutter,
M.D., a practitioner renowned for his treatment of neurodegenerative
disorders, has pointed out, "Balancing essential fatty acids
is one of the most critical tools in my treatment of patients
with MS."7 It is generally believed that the earlier EFA
imbalances are detected and treated in MS, the better the chances
for a positive outcome.
Great Smokies' Essential and Metabolic Fatty Acids Analysis
enables the practitioner to quickly and accurately pinpoint EMFA
deficiencies, avoiding unnecessary guesswork with supplementation.
Clinical results can be carefully monitored using this advanced
laboratory analysis of packed erythrocytes, which provides a
much more precise indication of actual EMFA status than plasma
testing. The EMFA Analysis includes the critical ratio of polyunsaturated
fats to saturated fats, which has been established as an independent
factor negatively correlating with MS mortality rate.4
Related Information: Multiple Sclerosis and Melatonin
References
1 Hutter CD, Laing P. Multiple sclerosis: sunlight, diet,
immunology, and aetiology. Med Hypotheses 1996;46(2):67-74.
2 Hayes CE, Cantorna MT, DeLuca HF. Vitamin D and multiple
sclerosis. Proc Soc Exp Biol Med 1997;216(1):21-27.
3 Lauer K. The risk of multiple sclerosis in the U.S.A. in
relation to sociogeographic features: a factor analytic study.
J Clin Epidemiol 1994;47(1):43-48.
4 Exparza MG. Sasaki S, Kesteloot H. Nutrition, latitude,
and multiple sclerosis mortality: an ecologic study. Am J Epidemiol
1995;142(7):733-737.
5 Di Biase A, Salvati S. Exogenous lipids in myelination and
demyelination. Kao Shuing I Hsueh Ko Shueh Tsa Chih 1997;13(1):
19-29.
6 Nightingale S, Woo E, Smith AD, French JM, Gale MM, et.
al. Red blood cell and adipose tissue fatty acids in mild inactive
multiple sclerosis. Acta Neurol Scand 1990;82(1):43-50.
7 Schmidt, Michael. Smart Fats: How Dietary Fats and Oils
Affect Mental, Physical, and Emotional Intelligence. Berkeley
(CA): Frog Books, Ltd, 1997; 143.
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