Calorie restriction linked to improved cognition, physique in MS
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SAN DIEGO — Intermittent calorie restriction in patients with relapsing-remitting MS was associated with positive physical and cognitive outcomes after 12 weeks compared with an unrestricted diet, according to a researcher at ACTRIMS 2023.
“In the past 10 to 15 years, a number of epidemiological studies have reported an association between obesity in children, adolescents and young adults with increased risk of developing MS later in life,” Laura Piccio, MD, PhD, associate professor of neurology at Washington University School of Medicine, stated in her presentation. “The mechanisms underlying this association are complex and likely involving multiple pathways.”
Piccio and colleagues sought to evaluate effects of intermittent calorie restriction on multiple physiological markers, as well as clinical and brain MRI measures, in people with relapsing-remitting MS compared with a control group given an unrestricted diet.
Their clinical trial included 42 individuals randomized on a 1:1 basis to receive an intermittent calorie-restricted (n = 22) or unrestricted diet (n = 20) over a 12-week period. Researchers collected blood and stool samples at baseline, 6 and 12 weeks and performed dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry at study initiation and conclusion.
The primary outcome of the study was measurable effects of intermittent calorie restriction on serum leptin and adiponectin levels compared with the unrestricted diet provided to controls. Secondary outcomes included clinical and cognitive measures.
Researchers examined differences between the diets using a linear, repeated measures mixed model, adjusting for baseline levels, age, sex and disease-modifying therapies.
Results showed that 34 participants completed the study, with 17 individuals in each group. Researchers reported significant reduction of anthropometric (weight and BMI) and body adiposity measures (waist circumference and fat mass) during the study in the calorie-restricted group, including decreased leptin levels at both 6 and 12 weeks compared with controls.
Data further revealed an increase in adiponectin among the calorie-restricted cohort at 6-and 12-week intervals, as well as an increase in symbol digit modality test scores in this group at 12 weeks (mean increase = 6.2; 95% CI, 3.4-9.5). Researchers noted no significant differences in the control group during this time.
“Many of these indices were improved with calorie restriction,” Piccio said. “Cognitive performance was improved after 12 weeks and was significantly better when compared with controls.”