Emerging research continues to illuminate the role of diet in managing chronic diseases, and a recent study from Sweden adds compelling evidence to support the benefits of eating fish for people living with multiple sclerosis (MS).
This neurological condition, which targets the central nervous system and leads to progressive disability, may be more manageable through something as simple as dietary changes—particularly increased fish consumption.
According to the new findings, both lean and oily fish appear to have protective effects, slowing down MS-related disability and offering hope for patients at various stages of the disease.
Fish Intake Shows Long-Term Benefits in MS Management
The study, conducted by researchers at the Karolinska Institute in Stockholm, analyzed dietary and health information from more than 2,700 adults newly diagnosed with MS. Participants, who were on average 38 years old at the time of diagnosis, were followed for up to 15 years.
Researchers examined how often patients consumed both oily fish—such as salmon, mackerel, sardines, and herring—and lean fish like cod, haddock, and pollock.
“We were encouraged to see that patients who increased their fish intake after diagnosis still benefited, indicating that dietary changes may have a meaningful impact on MS progression, even later in the disease course,” said study author Anna Hedström, MD, PhD, a senior research specialist with the Karolinska Institute’s Department of Clinical Neuroscience.
Both Lean and Oily Fish Offer Advantages
The results were eye-opening. While scientists anticipated benefits from oily fish, known for their rich content of vitamin D and omega-3 fatty acids, they were surprised to find that lean fish also showed a significant positive association with reduced disease progression.
The research team speculates that nutrients such as taurine and selenium, found in lean fish, may play a key role in these benefits. These bioactive compounds are thought to help by boosting antioxidant activity and regulating immune responses, ultimately protecting nerve cells from further damage.
“While more research is needed, fish consumption as part of a balanced, anti-inflammatory diet could be a simple and practical strategy for MS management,” said Dr. Hedström.
How the Study Measured Progression in MS
To assess the progression of the disease, researchers used the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS)—a clinical tool that measures the degree of physical disability in people with MS, focusing particularly on symptoms such as vision impairment, mobility difficulties, and coordination issues.
Participants’ fish consumption was categorized into three groups: never or seldom, one to three times per month, and weekly. The study found that individuals who consumed fish at least once a week at the time of diagnosis experienced a 34% lower risk of confirmed disability worsening compared to those who ate fish monthly or not at all.
Further trend analysis showed a dose-response relationship—meaning that the more fish participants consumed, the lower their risk of progressing to more severe stages of disability (indicated by EDSS scores of 3 and 4).
Encouraging Results From Increased Fish Consumption Post-Diagnosis
In a subset of around 1,700 patients, researchers also explored how changes in fish intake over time affected disease outcomes. This group completed online follow-up questionnaires five years after diagnosis.
The findings were significant: those who increased their fish consumption after diagnosis had a 59% lower risk of disability progression compared with those who maintained low intake.
Importantly, these results held up even after adjusting for physical activity, smoking, alcohol use, sun exposure, and BMI, which are all known to influence MS progression.
Dietary Strategies as Complementary MS Therapy
For many in the medical community, the findings are both encouraging and validating. Kalina Sanders, MD, a neurologist and director of the Comprehensive MS Clinic at Baptist Health in Jacksonville Beach, Florida, highlighted the implications of this study for clinical practice.
“Having a balanced diet that is rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids found in fish is a way to minimize inflammation and enhance neuroprotection,” said Dr. Sanders. “This may ultimately impact how some patient’s disease activity and disability changes over time.”
She also pointed out a few limitations. Since fish intake was self-reported, there could be issues with memory accuracy. Furthermore, the method of preparation—for instance, fried versus grilled or baked—was not captured in the data, and this could affect the nutritional value and health outcomes associated with consumption.
Dr. Sanders also reminded readers that this was an observational study, meaning the findings highlight correlation rather than causation. Still, the data present a strong case for further investigation and potential clinical trials.
A Note of Caution: Mindful Fish Choices
While increasing fish intake may offer measurable health benefits for MS patients, Dr. Hedström cautioned that not all fish are created equal. Some species, particularly large predatory fish like swordfish, king mackerel, and shark, tend to accumulate high levels of mercury, a toxic metal that can have adverse neurological effects.
In contrast, smaller oily fish such as sardines, anchovies, and salmon are considered safer for frequent consumption due to their lower mercury levels. Patients are advised to balance the types of fish they consume and consult with healthcare professionals before making any drastic changes to their diet.
“While there are no specific MS guidelines, our findings suggest that consuming fish at least once a week — and ideally a mix of both lean and oily fish — may be associated with better long-term outcomes in MS,” said Dr. Hedström.
Looking Ahead: The Role of Nutrition in Neurological Health
As researchers continue to uncover the connections between diet and neurological disease, this study adds to a growing body of evidence suggesting that what we eat can directly impact how chronic conditions like MS evolve over time. While medication remains central to managing MS, nutritional strategies could offer a powerful, accessible complement to traditional treatments.
By placing more focus on dietary habits—especially increasing fish consumption—patients with MS may have an additional tool in managing their condition and improving their quality of life.