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A new study is suggesting that a low fat diet might reduce fatigue in people living with Multiple Sclerosis. If that raised your eyebrows, you are not alone. As someone certified in the Wahls Protocol and the Autoimmune Protocol, I had the same reaction. We have spent years learning that healthy fats are essential to brain and nerve health. So what does this study actually say, and should it change the way we eat?

Let’s take a closer look at the research, how it lines up with what many of us have been following, and what to consider when deciding if this is the right move for you.

The Study

This research came out of Oregon Health & Science University and was led by Dr. Yadav, a professor of neurology and director of the OHSU MS Center. The study was published in the Multiple Sclerosis Journal. It focused on whether a low fat diet could help reduce MS-related fatigue.

The study involved 39 participants living with MS. Twenty of them followed a low fat diet for 16 weeks while receiving nutrition counseling. The other 19 participants continued their usual diets and received diet training after the study ended.

Fatigue levels were tracked every four weeks using the Modified Fatigue Impact Scale. This tool measures how fatigue affects a person’s ability to concentrate and perform physical tasks. The participants on the low fat diet showed a noticeable drop in fatigue compared to the control group.

It is important to note that the low fat diet in this study was not vegan. It included animal products and aimed to be more accessible than strict plant-based plans.

First Impressions

When I first saw the study, I felt like I had stepped back into the 1980s. Are we really back to saying fat is the enemy? After all the progress in helping people understand that not all fats are bad, it felt like a big step backward.

But the findings are there. The study showed improvement in fatigue, which is a major concern for anyone living with MS. Still, I have questions. The group that followed the low fat diet also got nutrition counseling, while the other group did not. That extra support could have influenced the results. And with only 39 participants, this was a small study to make such a big claim.

What About Healthy Fats?

As a nutrition coach and someone living with MS, I continue to believe that healthy fats play a vital role in managing this disease. Here is why:

Brain Health
The brain is made up of nearly 60 percent fat. Healthy fats help support brain function, which is especially important with MS.

Cell Function
Every cell in your body has a membrane made of fat. Good fats support healthy cell function and communication.

Energy
Fats provide a steady source of energy, which can help with managing fatigue.

Reducing Inflammation
Omega-3 fatty acids found in fish and some plants help reduce inflammation. This is key in autoimmune conditions like MS.

Nutrient Absorption
Vitamins A, D, E, and K are fat-soluble. Without dietary fat, your body cannot absorb them properly.

These are some of the core principles behind the Wahls Protocol. The approach is not about high fat for the sake of it. It is about using high quality fats to support the nervous system, manage inflammation, and promote healing.

What I Recommend

It always comes back to what works best for you. If you are curious about trying a low fat approach, speak with your doctor or nutrition coach. Track your energy and symptoms and see how your body responds.

As for me, I am sticking with a moderate amount of high quality fats. I continue to see results in both myself and my clients when we include foods like avocados, olive oil, coconut milk, coconut oil, and, for those who tolerate them, nuts and seeds.

I believe the key is to avoid low quality, highly processed fats and instead focus on whole food sources that nourish your body.

Final Thoughts

It is exciting to see more research coming out about nutrition and MS. Fatigue is one of the most challenging symptoms we face, and anything that helps deserves attention. This study adds to the conversation, but it does not need to undo what has been working for many of us.

Use this information as one more data point in your journey. Tune into how your body responds to the choices you make. Trust your experience, stay curious, and keep asking questions.

Want More Encouragement Like This? Tune into this week’s special episode of My MS Podcast:
🎧 A Low Fat Diet for MS
Listen now to My MS Podcast.