Ask Dr. Nick
On today’s episode, Dr. Nick talks about how multiple sclerosis patients need high amounts of healthy fat proper function. Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune disease in which the immune system attacks the myelin surrounding the connections between brain and spinal cord cells. Supporting cells in the central nervous system called oligodendrocytes will wrap around axons to provide fatty insulation for faster and more efficient signalling. These myelin sheaths are layers of fatty acids, primarily saturated fat, cholesterol, and omega-3 docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). If there is low dietary fat and cholesterol, damaged myelin cannot be repaired leading to long-lasting deficits. As you will see in the video, high fat and cholesterol in combination with exercises or brain stimulation is necessary for activating oligodendrocytes to make more myelin. This improves motor function as well. Check out the video for more in depth information on incorporating healthy fats and cholesterol can help patients with MS!
- Yoon H, Kleven A, Paulsen A, et al. Interplay between exercise and dietary fat modulates myelinogenesis in the central nervous system. Biochim Biophys Acta. 2016;1862(4):545-555.
- Berghoff SA, Gerndt N, Winchenbach J, et al. Dietary cholesterol promotes repair of demyelinated lesions in the adult brain. Nat Commun. 2017;8:14241.
