A high-carb diet found to raise MS risk in study

Eating more carbohydrates may be linked with a higher chance of developing multiple sclerosis, particularly for women and people under 60, according to a large study using UK Biobank data.

Researchers analysed diet questionnaires from more than 210,000 adults who were followed for a median of 13 years. During that time, 495 people were diagnosed with MS, around three quarters of whom were women. People who went on to develop MS reported eating more total carbohydrates than those who did not. Several carbohydrate types showed statistically significant links with risk, including total sugars, fibre, fructose and glucose.

When the team looked at different groups, the association between carbohydrates and MS risk was evident in women but not in men. By age, higher intakes of total carbohydrates and total sugars were linked with risk in people younger than 60. In those aged 60 and above, links were seen with fibre, fructose and glucose.

The authors say their results support exploring diet as one way to help reduce MS risk across the population. They also note this is observational research based on self reported food intake, which means it can show associations but cannot prove that carbohydrates cause MS. More studies are needed to understand possible biological pathways and to test whether changing diet can influence risk.

If you are thinking about making dietary changes, it can help to speak with a registered dietitian or your MS team so that any plan supports your overall health and energy needs.