Time Restricted Eating Outcomes in Multiple Sclerosis

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic autoimmune disease characterized by demyelination and loss of axons in the central nervous system. Over the last decade there has been an influx of evidence demonstrating the impact of lifestyle risk factors on the progression of MS symptoms. Specifically, epidemiological studies report that poor diet is associated with increased risk of disability in adults with MS. Despite this evidence, little research has explored dietary interventions that may reduce symptom burden of MS. One dietary intervention that has shown particular promise in animal models of MS is intermittent fasting (IF), which is a dietary pattern characterized by cycles of eating and extended fasting. There are a number of protocols for IF, including time restricted feeding (TRF), in which all food is consumed during a limited window of time each day. Growing evidence demonstrates that IF reduces inflammation, improves immune function, and improves cardiometabolic risk in animal models of MS, however, little of this research has been translated into human trials. In addition to these physiological benefits, the investigators believe that TRF will provide a behavioral benefit, as it addresses barriers traditionally seen in dietary interventions by shifting the focus from restricting what participants eat, to focusing on meal timing.

The purpose of this pilot study is to determine the preliminary efficacy, safety, and acceptability of TRF in adults with MS. The specific aims of this study are: 1: To determine preliminary efficacy of TRF for reducing symptom burden, improving inflammatory markers, and reducing cardiometabolic risk among adults with RRMS. 2: To determine the safety and participant acceptability of TRF.

Twelve adults with relapsing-remitting MS will eat all meals within an 8 hour period each day. All participants will follow the assigned meal plan for 8 weeks.

Inclusion criteria

• Diagnosed with Relapsing Remitting MS (RRMS)
• BMI between 18-50 kg.m2
• If on disease-modifying medications, stable for 6 months
• If not on disease-modifying medication, no medication usage within previous 6 months
• Able to walk 25 ft. with or without assistance

Exclusion criteria

• Relapse within previous 30 days
• Actively engaged in a weight loss program or unwilling to follow assigned dietary timing pattern
• Regularly fasts >15 hours/day
• Pregnant or breastfeeding
• Current use of insulin or sulfonylurea agents