Diet, Physical Activity, and Quality of Life in People with MS
In a survey of 1,083 people with multiple sclerosis (pwMS), various lifestyle factors were assessed to see how they related to quality of life (QoL) and disability. Results showed that a low-saturated fat diet was linked to lower QoL in those diagnosed for over five years, while omega-3 supplements improved QoL in those diagnosed for five years or less. High physical activity improved QoL and reduced disability in both groups, though mind-based wellness activities surprisingly were correlated to
- Tags
- #MSResearch
- Most relevant to
- —
- Human efficacy
- Demonstrated in people
- Mechanism
- Other
- Evidence strength
- Limited
- Outcome
- Positive
Why it matters
The study highlights how lifestyle factors like diet and physical activity can influence quality of life and disability in pwMS, depending on the duration of the disease. This suggests that therapeutic lifestyle choices may need to be tailored based on how long a person has been diagnosed with MS.
What this does not prove
The findings show associations, not causation, and the different outcomes based on disease duration complicate the interpretation of which lifestyle modifications are most effective for various pts at different stages of MS.
Next milestone
No next milestone was established from the available source.
Study facts
- Study design
- Observational
- Participants / samples
- 1083 · self-reported survey data from pwMS
- Randomised
- No
- Controlled
- Not applicable
- Primary endpoint met
- Not reported
- Relevant MS type
- Not reported
- Publication date
- 2026-10-20
- Evidence reviewed
- Abstract only
- Regulatory approval
- Not reported
- Research areas
- Not classified
- Biological target
- Not reported
- Pathway
- Not reported
- Population
- pwMS diagnosed within ≤ 5 years versus > 5 years
- Size of effect
- Not reported
- Secondary endpoints
- Not reported
- MRI endpoints
- Not reported
- Biomarkers
- Not reported
- Safety
- Not reported
Original sources
- Primary evidenceDiet and physical activity in multiple sclerosis: associations with quality of life and disability by disease duration. ↗DOI: 10.1007/s10072-026-09352-2
Supporting passages (20)
study phasePublication types: Journal Article
study designMETHODS: Cross-sectional self-reported survey data from 1,083 pwMS were analysed.
subjectsWe examined associations between diet, supplement use, wellness activities, and physical activity with QoL and ambulatory disability, and whether these associations differed between pwMS diagnosed within ≤ 5 years versus > 5 years.
speciesMETHODS: Cross-sectional self-reported survey data from 1,083 pwMS were analysed.
sample sizeself-reported survey data from 1,083 pwMS were analysed.
sample size basisself-reported survey data from 1,083 pwMS were analysed.
randomizedRESULTS: Associations differed by MS duration: a low-saturated fat diet and "other" diets were associated with lower QoL in the > 5-years group, whereas omega-3 supplement use was associated with higher physical QoL in the ≤ 5-years group.
controlledRESULTS: Associations differed by MS duration: a low-saturated fat diet and "other" diets were associated with lower QoL in the > 5-years group, whereas omega-3 supplement use was associated with higher physical QoL in the ≤ 5-years group.
peer reviewedJournal: Neurological sciences : official journal of the Italian Neurological Society and of the Italian Society of Clinical Neurophysiology
publication datePublication date: 2026-10-20
interventionDiet, supplement use, and wellness activities were queried via tick-box options and recategorised.
primary endpointassociations between diet, supplement use, wellness activities, and physical activity with QoL and ambulatory disability
findingsCONCLUSIONS: Physical activity is associated with higher QoL and lower disability irrespective of MS duration and should be integrated across the disease course.
mechanismsMS duration may modify associations between other lifestyle factors and QoL, supporting consideration of disease stage when tailoring lifestyle recommendations.
populationpwMS diagnosed within ≤ 5 years versus > 5 years.
outcomeCONCLUSIONS: Physical activity is associated with higher QoL and lower disability irrespective of MS duration and should be integrated across the disease course.
human efficacyCONCLUSIONS: Physical activity is associated with higher QoL and lower disability irrespective of MS duration and should be integrated across the disease course.
limitationsTitle: Diet and physical activity in multiple sclerosis: associations with quality of life and disability by disease duration.
peer reviewedPublication types: Journal Article
subjectsMeSH terms: Humans; Multiple Sclerosis; Female; Male; Quality of Life; Cross-Sectional Studies; Middle Aged; Exercise; Adult; Diet; Disability Evaluation; Time Factors; Dietary Supplements
AI assessment, not yet reviewed by a person · version 2 · Community votes are separate from evidence review.