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The Effects of Antioxidants on Multiple Sclerosis

Ava Govek, MS, RD, LDN

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Why MS and Nutrition?

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Education:

  • Bachelors: Psychology Pre Dietetics
    • 4 years split between UWSP and MMU
  • Masters: Dietetics and Nutrition
    • 1 year school & 2,000+ internship hours & thesis project

Internships

  • Clinical: Aurora St Lukes, QuadMed
  • Management: Genesee Lake School
  • Community: YMCA

Current Job

  • Long Term Care Dietitian with HCSG

Background

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Disclosure

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General Dietary Guidelines to Follow

Daily Minimums:

  • 2 cups fruit daily
  • 2.5 cups vegetables daily
  • 6oz grains (ideally 50% whole grains) daily
  • 25g protein with each meal
    • General guideline: 0.8g/kg

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Daily Maximums:

  • 2,300mg Sodium
    • Visually: 1 tsp of salt
  • Saturated and trans fats: <20g/day

Exercise

150 minutes of moderately intense exercise each week, with at least 2 sessions of weight bearing exercise where possible

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What Is An Antioxidant?

A substance commonly found in plant based foods that protect cells from damage. Have been known to play a role in protecting against cancer, heart disease, stroke, and other diseases.

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Commonly known as: Vitamin C, E, A, beta-carotene, lycopene

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Antioxidants Role

  1. Prevent damage to cells
  2. Fight harmful molecules (free radicals) within the body
  3. Prevent against long term illnesses
  4. Boost immune system
  5. Slow aging

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What Is An Antioxidant Focused Diet?

Rich In:

  1. Fruits and Vegetables
  2. Healthy fats
    1. Ex: olive oils, fish, avocados etc.
  3. Lean proteins
    • Chicken, fish, beans/seeds/nuts
  4. Whole grains
  5. Spice variety

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Limited In:

  1. Added sugars / sweeteners
  2. Refined carbohydrates
    1. Ex: white bread, white pasta, baked goods
  3. Processed meats / meats high in saturated fats
    • Ex: hot dogs, red meat, sausages/bacon
  4. Fried foods/fast food

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Common Examples

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Research Question

What are the perceived effects of consuming a diet high in antioxidant rich foods on symptoms and quality of life among adults with Multiple Sclerosis over a 6-month time frame?

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What Was Researched & Why

    • Gluten / sugar / dairy free
    • Low fat
    • Mediterranean diet
    • Mediterranean-DASH Intervention for Neurodegenerative Delay (MIND)
    • Anti-inflammatory eating habits
    • Ketogenic diets

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Diets Studied

Bagur et al., 2017

Chase et al., 2023

Katz Sand, 2018

Katz Sand et al., 2023

Navarrete-Pérez et al., 2024

Riccio & Rossano, 2015

Wetmore et al., 2023

    • Reduce oxidative stress
    • Decrease inflammation
    • Impact the way in which MS presents itself physically
      • Less fatigue
      • Improved mobility
      • Improved tremors
    • Improve memory

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Possible Impacts

Aristotelous et al., 2021

Armon-Omer et al., 2019

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Results of Research

Anti-inflammatory diet research results:

  • Improved symptoms
  • Improved Quality of Life
  • Improved Modified Fatigue Impact scores

Antioxidant-rich diet research results:

  • Improved biomarkers overall
  • Reduced inflammation overall

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Diets

Katz Sand et al., 2023

Moravejolahkami et al., 2023

Additional nutrition factors that showed potential impact on MS:

  • Micronutrient supplementation
    • Vitamin E
    • Vitamin D
    • Biotin
  • Omega-3 fatty acid and fish oil supplementations

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Other

Aristotelous et al., 2021

Cree et al., 2020

Giordano et al., 2025

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Foods containing antioxidants

Plant Based Foods!

  • Fruits (specifically berries)
  • Vegetables (specifically leafy greens)
  • Beans / Nuts / Seeds
  • Dark chocolate
    • Be cautious of the added sugar content

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Fun Fact: The more variety of colors you incorporate within your diet, the wider range of antioxidants you receive (each have their own unique benefits!)

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Snack Ideas High In Antioxidants

  1. Yogurt Parfaits
    1. My favorite: Blueberries, nuts/seeds, greek yogurt, dash of honey

2. Vegetables and hummus

3. Mini charcuterie boards

  1. My favorite: nuts, cheese squares, chicken slices, fruit

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Questions?

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