Recent findings indicate better ambulation and daily function as well as quality of life (QOL) for persons with multiple sclerosis (MS) with increased dietary fat intake, decreased carbohydrate intake, and increased intake of the micronutrients cholesterol, folate, iron, and magnesium. This cross-sectional pilot study included 20 ambulatory volunteers with MS (14 females/6 males, 57.9±10.2 years). Primary outcome variables included dietary assessment (3-day dietary consumption and the Food Frequency Questionnaire), and 6-Minute Walk Test (6MWT). Secondary measures included the Timed 25-Foot Walk test (TW-25), Timed Up and Go test, daily activity and 3 self-report questionnaires; 12-Item Multiple Sclerosis Walking Scale (MSWS-12), Short Form (SF)-36, and the Modified Fatigue Impact Scale (MFIS). Researchers found:

• Significant correlations were seen between the percent of diet comprised from fats and the 6MWT and the physical functioning (PF) component of the SF-36.
• The percent of carbohydrates was significantly correlated with the 6MWT, daily activity, and the PF component of the SF-36.
• Cholesterol, folate, iron, and magnesium were significantly positively correlated with the PF component of the SF-36 and the 6MWT.