(P18-005-25) Impact of a Customized Nutrition Program on Symptom Management and Body Composition in Overweight and Obese Adults With Multiple Sclerosis: A Pilot Study

Objectives: Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a chronic inflammatory condition of the central nervous system which provokes a variety of symptoms affecting different areas of the body. Given that food sensitivities can contribute to inflammation, it is hypothesized that reducing these sensitivities may help alleviate inflammation and related symptoms. This study evaluated the impact of a nutrition program aimed at managing symptoms in MS patients who are overweight or obese (BMI >27). One key feature of the intervention involved Mediator Release Test (MRT) food sensitivity testing to identify individual dietary triggers and implement customized dietary plans.

Methods: Participants attended an initial 60-minute consultation with a registered dietitian to discuss program goals, review dietary strategies, and assess symptoms using a survey. Following this, MRT food sensitivity results guided the development of personalized meal plans aimed at reducing reactivity to identified food triggers. Regular follow-up visits (four sessions, spaced three to four weeks apart) included progress evaluations through food journals, updated meal planning, and discussions on mindful eating. Objective tracking measures included body weight, body fat analysis, waist circumference, and symptom surveys, with a specific focus on musculoskeletal and digestive symptoms.

Results: A total of 20 patients were enrolled in this pilot study, with 14 (70%) completing the study and included in the analysis (78.6% female; mean age = 54.1 years, SD = 10 years). At six months, significant decreases were observed in body fat (3.1%, average 10.8 lbs) and waist circumference (2.4 inches). Patients showed a 50.9% decrease in MRT musculoskeletal symptom scores (average decrease 3.9 points; p = .025) and a 55.1% decrease in digestive symptom scores (average decrease 2.7 points; p = .035).

Conclusions: These findings suggest that personalized nutrition interventions, including food sensitivity testing and anti-inflammatory dietary strategies, can promote positive changes in both physical outcomes (body fat and waist circumference) and symptom management (musculoskeletal and digestive) in adults with MS who are overweight or obese. Further research is needed to confirm long-term benefits.

Funding Sources: A grant for the cost of the MRT food sensitivity testing was received by The Holy Name Foundation.