Omega three fatty acids and MS has been a popular area of interest and research. Studies have shown that people with MS often appear to have low levels of omega three fatty acids, although it is not clear if this deficiency is caused by the disease process or through insufficient dietary intake.

Omega three fatty acids have been shown to play an important role in the immune function, and have been increasingly researched, particularly due to their proposed beneficial effects in protection against heart disease.

The best sources of omega three fatty acids are oily (freshwater) fish such as herring, mackerel, trout, sardines and salmon, and it is suggested that eating these fish at least once a week or ideally three times a week has cardioprotective effects.

Although the benefits for MS patients are not so conclusive, such an intake is likely to do more harm than good. People who are on blood thinning (warfarin) therapy are advised to consult their GP before dramatically increasing their intake of omega three fatty acids due to their blood thinning properties.

Vitamin D is also cited as important in autoimmune reactions, and is also found in oily fish in abundance. It is also present in full fat and fortified dairy products, and in egg yolks. Our most vital source of vitamin D is actually sunlight, as Vitamin D is manufactured by the action of UV rays on the skin, so make sure to get out in the daylight as much as possible, even on cloudy days.

The darker your skin or the more covered up you are, the more difficult it is for Vitamin D to be manufactured, so the more important your dietary sources.

Some sources suggest that Vitamin D supplementation is advisable. However, Vitamin D is highly toxic in megadoses, and should never be taken as a single supplement vitamin without medical advice. As research into the effects of vitamin D on MS is inconclusive, there is insufficient evidence to advise MS sufferers to supplement their diet with Vitamin D. Sticking to good dietary sources and getting out in the sunlight is the best advice at present.

Food allergies and food allergy testing is an area of practice that has become popular in recent years, particularly wheat-free and dairy-free diets. This may help in finding foods, which may worsen your condition.
A healthy diet

• Adhere to a healthy, balanced diet, enjoy your food and eat oily fish once to three times a week.
• Do not take single vitamin supplements without the advice of your GP. If you decide to take a multivitamin multimineral supplement, inform your GP first