Mediterranean diet, biological aging, and multiple sclerosis progression

Mediterranean Diet, Biological Aging, and Risk for Disease and Disability Progression in Multiple Sclerosis

['FUNDING_R01'] · ICAHN SCHOOL OF MEDICINE AT MOUNT SINAI · NIH-11310720

This project looks at whether a Mediterranean-style diet links to slower biological aging and less brain shrinkage in people living with multiple sclerosis.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_R01']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorICAHN SCHOOL OF MEDICINE AT MOUNT SINAI (nih funded)
Locations1 site (NEW YORK, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-11310720 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

This research uses data and samples from people with MS to see if diet-related differences in biological aging explain why some people lose brain tissue or function faster. The team will combine dietary histories, brain MRI scans, clinical follow-up, and blood measures of biological aging (including a NHANES-based aging index and leukocyte telomere length). They will analyze two existing groups of participants, including the RADIEMS cohort, to compare diet patterns with changes in imaging and disability over time. The work mainly uses previously collected data and specimens alongside follow-up clinical and imaging information.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: People living with multiple sclerosis—particularly those earlier in their disease course and willing to share diet information, clinical history, and blood samples—are the ideal candidates for this research.

Not a fit: People without MS or those with very advanced, irreversible disability are unlikely to benefit directly from this project.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, the findings could point to diet-based strategies that may slow brain aging and disability progression in people with MS.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have linked Mediterranean-style diets to less brain atrophy in MS and have tied diet to biological aging in other populations, but using aging markers to explain diet effects in MS is a newer approach.

Where this research is happening

NEW YORK, UNITED STATES

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.