News & Events
Healthy fats and vitamin E may reduce risk of MND
27 April 2006
Research that shows a link between diet and risk of developing Motor Neurone Disease has been welcomed by the MND Association.
The research, published today, shows that people with diets rich in polyunsaturated fats and vitamin E may be up to 60% less likely to develop amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), the most common form of MND.
It potentially means people who know they are at risk of developing the familial form of MND – around 5% of all cases – may be able to lower their risk by changing their diet.
In addition, knowledge of how to protect motor neurones from dying may help identify future treatments for people who develop the disease.
Belinda Cupid, Research Manager at the MND Association, said; “The identification of any factors that may help reduce the risk of developing MND represents an important step forward.
“The results of this study are of particular significance to families affected by the rare inherited form of MND, as they face an increased risk of developing the disease.”
She added that people who have MND now should not change their diet because of this new research. “For people with MND, staying well-nourished is one of the most important ways of countering the effects of the disease. The best advice is to eat a varied and balance diet,” she said.
The study, which will appear in the Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery and Psychiatry, was carried out in Utrecht, Holland, and involved 130 people with MND and 220 not affected by the disease.
Both groups were asked to recall their daily diets for a year before the people with MND developed symptoms. The group with MND ate less polyunsaturated fat and vitamin E in their diet compared to those who have not developed the disease.
The findings are in line with previous research, which has shown polyunsaturated fats can reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s Disease and Parkinson’s Disease.
MND is a fatal neurological condition that is usually terminal within two to five years of someone developing symptoms. Five thousand people have the disease in the UK and three die every day.
The research, published today, shows that people with diets rich in polyunsaturated fats and vitamin E may be up to 60% less likely to develop amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), the most common form of MND.
It potentially means people who know they are at risk of developing the familial form of MND – around 5% of all cases – may be able to lower their risk by changing their diet.
In addition, knowledge of how to protect motor neurones from dying may help identify future treatments for people who develop the disease.
Belinda Cupid, Research Manager at the MND Association, said; “The identification of any factors that may help reduce the risk of developing MND represents an important step forward.
“The results of this study are of particular significance to families affected by the rare inherited form of MND, as they face an increased risk of developing the disease.”
She added that people who have MND now should not change their diet because of this new research. “For people with MND, staying well-nourished is one of the most important ways of countering the effects of the disease. The best advice is to eat a varied and balance diet,” she said.
The study, which will appear in the Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery and Psychiatry, was carried out in Utrecht, Holland, and involved 130 people with MND and 220 not affected by the disease.
Both groups were asked to recall their daily diets for a year before the people with MND developed symptoms. The group with MND ate less polyunsaturated fat and vitamin E in their diet compared to those who have not developed the disease.
The findings are in line with previous research, which has shown polyunsaturated fats can reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s Disease and Parkinson’s Disease.
MND is a fatal neurological condition that is usually terminal within two to five years of someone developing symptoms. Five thousand people have the disease in the UK and three die every day.
Contact:
Sarah Fitzgerald,
Head of PR and Media
01604 611840 or 07831 349382
sarah.fitzgerald@mndassociation.org
01604 611840 or 07831 349382
sarah.fitzgerald@mndassociation.org
