How the Mediterranean diet affects aging and disease progression in multiple sclerosis
Official title: Mediterranean Diet, Biological Aging, and Risk for Disease and Disability Progression in Multiple Sclerosis
Funded at Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai · NIH-10993138 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how following the Mediterranean diet might help slow down aging and improve brain health for people with multiple sclerosis (MS), by checking if their eating habits can make a difference in their overall health and how their condition progresses.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project start | December 1, 2023 |
| Project end | November 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $379,197 |
| NIH project number | 5R01NS135228-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10993138 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with multiple sclerosis who are interested in dietary changes and their potential effects on their condition.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with multiple sclerosis who are not open to dietary changes or who have contraindications to the Mediterranean diet may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the impact of the Mediterranean diet on biological aging and its potential role in slowing down neurodegeneration and functional decline in individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS). By analyzing data from two existing cohorts, the study aims to understand how dietary habits may influence biological aging markers and, in turn, affect disease progression. The research will utilize advanced methodologies, including the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey Biological Aging Index and leukocyte telomere length measurements, to explore these relationships. Patients with MS will be monitored for changes in brain health and functional outcomes as they adhere to the Mediterranean diet.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide insights into dietary interventions that may help slow the progression of multiple sclerosis and improve quality of life for patients.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results linking the Mediterranean diet to improved health outcomes in various populations, suggesting potential for success in this study as well.
Where this research is happening
-
Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai
New York, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Katz Sand, Ilana Beth — Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai
- Study coordinator: Katz Sand, Ilana Beth
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Mediterranean-style eating and aging in people with multiple sclerosis
This project looks at whether following a Mediterranean-style diet is linked to slower biological aging and less brain shrinkage in people living with multiple sclerosis.
-
Mediterranean diet, biological aging, and multiple sclerosis progression
This project looks at whether a Mediterranean-style diet links to slower biological aging and less brain shrinkage in people living with multiple sclerosis.
-
Low-Load BFR Training to Help People with Advanced MS Improve Strength
A randomized trial tests whether low-load resistance training with blood flow restriction can improve muscle strength for people with advanced multiple sclerosis.
-
Home-based activity tracking to predict MS progression and support trials
A study using wearable activity trackers to help predict disability progression in people with progressive multiple sclerosis and make clinical trials more efficient.
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Gentle strength training with blood flow restriction for people with advanced MS
This study will see if gentle, low-intensity strength exercises using a cuff to restrict blood flow help people with advanced multiple sclerosis gain muscle and move better.
-
Protecting against disability in early Multiple Sclerosis
This project explores how diet and body weight might help people with early multiple sclerosis maintain their brain function and reduce disability over time.
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.