Impact of meal timing on neurological health in adults with multiple sclerosis
Official title: Understanding the Impact of Meal Timing on Neurological Health in Adults With Multiple Sclerosis
Run by University of Alabama at Birmingham · NCT07475377 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study tests whether eating within an 8-hour daily window or over a longer 12+ hour period affects brain health markers and inflammation in adults with MS.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years to 64 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 22 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | University of Alabama at Birmingham Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Birmingham, Alabama) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | August 1, 2026 |
| Main results expected | September 1, 2027 |
| Study ends | December 31, 2027 |
| Registry record updated | September 25, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07475377 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Adults with RRMS or SPMS who are stable on or off disease-modifying therapy and able to follow a fixed eating schedule with smartphone access.
✕Probably not a fit
Participants whose disease biology does not respond to meal timing or who do not adhere to the eating schedules may not experience benefits.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This pilot study will assign adults with RRMS or SPMS to either time-restricted eating (8-hour window) or unrestricted eating (12+ hours) for 12 weeks. Researchers will measure biomarkers of neuronal health (NfL, BDNF) and inflammatory markers (IL-6, IL-17, TNF-α), plus circadian and autophagy gene expression. A subset of participants (n=8) will have exploratory PET imaging to evaluate neuroinflammation and assess feasibility for future trials. Participants will report meal start/stop times via smartphone prompts to ensure adherence. The study builds on prior data suggesting TRE may reduce inflammation by aligning circadian rhythms and aims to clarify mechanisms in MS.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the approach could offer a non-pharmacologic strategy to support brain health and reduce inflammation in MS.
How similar studies have gone: Prior research with TRE shows potential anti-inflammatory effects, but data in MS specifically are limited and pilot in nature.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Diagnosed with relapsing remitting or secondary progressive multiple sclerosis (RRMS or SPMS) * If on disease modifying therapy (DMTs), stable for 6 months * If not on DMTs, no DMT usage within previous 6 months * BMI 18.5-50 kg/m2 * Access to a smartphone * Responsible for personal eating schedule or able to have input into schedule Exclusion Criteria: * Relapse within previous 30 days * Actively engaged in a weight loss program or unwilling to follow assigned eating schedule * Current use of GLP-1 or use within previous 3 months * Regularly fasts \> 12 hours/day * Employed in night shift or rotating shift work * Unable to walk 25 feet with or without assistive device (EDSS \> 6.5). * Current use of insulin or sulfonylurea agents * Pregnant or breastfeeding * Currently enrolled in another trial that would confound results (e.g., exercise studies or other diet studies)
Where it's running
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University of Alabama at Birmingham
Birmingham, Alabama, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Brooks C Wingo, PhD
- Email: bcwingo@uab.edu
- Phone: 205-934-5982
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.