Researchers in Kuwait studied 152 people with multiple sclerosis (MS) and 279 people without it to understand how food and lifestyle choices affect MS risk. They found that people with MS were more likely to eat too much salt, not get enough vitamins B2 and C, be overweight, and not exercise regularly. On the positive side, people who exercised lightly at least three times a week had much lower MS risk. The study suggests that eating healthier foods, maintaining a healthy weight, and staying active might help prevent MS, though more research is needed to confirm these findings.

The Quick Take

  • What they studied: Whether eating certain foods and staying active affects the chances of developing multiple sclerosis, a disease that damages the brain and spinal cord.
  • Who participated: The study included 152 people who had been diagnosed with MS and 279 people without MS, all living in Kuwait. Researchers compared their eating habits and exercise routines.
  • Key finding: People with MS were much more likely to eat too much salt (5 times higher risk), not get enough vitamin B2 (2.25 times higher risk), not get enough vitamin C (3.45 times higher risk), and be overweight (3.12 times higher risk). People who exercised lightly three or more times per week had much lower MS risk—about 77% lower.
  • What it means for you: If you’re concerned about MS risk, eating less salt, getting enough B vitamins and vitamin C, maintaining a healthy weight, and exercising regularly may help protect you. However, this study shows associations, not definite proof that these changes prevent MS. Talk to your doctor about your personal risk factors.

The Research Details

This was a case-control study, which is like comparing two groups of people—those with a disease and those without—to find differences in their habits. Researchers recruited 152 people with confirmed MS diagnoses from hospitals in Kuwait and 279 people without MS from the same hospitals and public offices. Everyone answered detailed questions about what they ate, how much they exercised, sun exposure, and vitamin use through an electronic survey. The researchers then used special statistical methods to figure out which factors were most strongly connected to MS risk, while accounting for other factors that might matter.

Case-control studies are useful for studying diseases like MS that develop slowly over time. Instead of waiting years to see who gets sick, researchers can look backward at people who already have the disease and compare them to similar people who don’t. This approach is faster and less expensive than other study types, making it practical for understanding MS in specific populations like Kuwait.

This study has several strengths: it used confirmed MS diagnoses following strict medical criteria, collected detailed dietary information, and used proper statistical methods to separate which factors truly matter. However, the study only included people from Kuwait, so results may not apply everywhere. The study also relied on people remembering what they ate, which can be inaccurate. Because this is one study, the findings need to be confirmed by other researchers before we can be completely confident.

What the Results Show

The study found five main factors connected to MS risk. First, eating too much salt was the strongest risk factor—people with MS consumed significantly more sodium than those without MS, with a 5-fold increased risk. Second, people with MS were more likely to have a history of being overweight throughout their lives, with about 3 times higher risk. Third, inadequate vitamin B2 intake was associated with 2.25 times higher MS risk. Fourth, not getting enough vitamin C was linked to 3.45 times higher risk. Fifth, people who didn’t regularly take vitamin D supplements had much lower MS risk (this unexpected finding may reflect that people with MS symptoms started taking supplements after diagnosis).

On the protective side, regular light physical activity was the strongest protective factor. People who exercised at least three times per week had about 77% lower MS risk compared to those who didn’t exercise regularly. This finding was consistent and statistically significant, meaning it’s unlikely to be due to chance.

The study also found that being a Kuwaiti national was associated with higher MS risk, suggesting genetic or environmental factors specific to this population may play a role.

The research identified patterns in how multiple factors work together. The combination of poor diet (high salt, low vitamins), excess weight, and physical inactivity appeared to create the highest risk profile. The study also noted that sun exposure patterns and other lifestyle factors were measured but didn’t show strong independent associations with MS risk in this population.

This study aligns with previous research showing that vitamin D, vitamin B2, and vitamin C may be important for immune system health and MS prevention. The strong connection between salt intake and MS risk is particularly interesting because recent research has suggested that high salt diets may trigger immune system problems. The protective effect of exercise matches findings from other MS studies. However, this is one of the first studies to examine these specific factors in a Middle Eastern population, where MS patterns and dietary habits differ from Western countries.

The study has several important limitations. First, it only included people from Kuwait, so findings may not apply to other countries or populations. Second, people were asked to remember what they ate in the past, which can be inaccurate. Third, the study shows associations (things that happen together) but cannot prove that diet and exercise directly cause or prevent MS—other unknown factors could be involved. Fourth, the study couldn’t account for all possible factors that influence MS risk, such as infections or genetic variations. Finally, because this is one study, results need to be confirmed by other researchers before we can be fully confident.

The Bottom Line

Based on this research, consider these evidence-based steps with moderate confidence: (1) Reduce salt intake by choosing fresh foods over processed foods and limiting added salt; (2) Eat foods rich in vitamin B2 (eggs, almonds, mushrooms, salmon) and vitamin C (citrus fruits, berries, peppers); (3) Maintain a healthy weight through balanced eating and regular activity; (4) Exercise lightly at least three times per week (walking, swimming, or cycling work well). These recommendations are supported by this study and general health guidelines, though they’re not guaranteed to prevent MS.

These findings are most relevant to people living in the Middle East, particularly Kuwait, and those with family history of MS. Anyone concerned about MS risk should discuss these factors with their doctor. People already diagnosed with MS may benefit from these lifestyle changes for overall health, though they won’t cure the disease. These recommendations are generally healthy for everyone, so most people can safely adopt them.

Don’t expect immediate results. Building healthy habits takes time. You might notice improved energy and mood within weeks of starting regular exercise. Weight loss and improved health markers typically appear within 2-3 months of consistent healthy eating and exercise. The protective effects against MS development would take months to years to become apparent, as MS develops slowly.

Want to Apply This Research?

  • Track daily sodium intake (aim for less than 2,300 mg per day) and weekly exercise sessions (target: 3+ light activity sessions). Log servings of vitamin B2-rich foods (eggs, almonds, mushrooms) and vitamin C-rich foods (oranges, berries, peppers) daily.
  • Set a weekly exercise goal of three 30-minute light activity sessions. Create a shopping list of low-sodium foods and vitamin-rich options. Use the app to set daily reminders to eat one vitamin B2 source and one vitamin C source at meals.
  • Review sodium intake weekly and adjust food choices accordingly. Track exercise consistency monthly to maintain the three-times-per-week habit. Monitor weight monthly as a general health indicator. Periodically review vitamin intake through food logs to ensure adequate consumption.

This study shows associations between diet, exercise, and MS risk but does not prove cause-and-effect relationships. The findings are specific to a Kuwaiti population and may not apply universally. Multiple sclerosis is a serious medical condition requiring professional diagnosis and treatment. These dietary and lifestyle recommendations are not a substitute for medical care or MS treatment. If you have symptoms of MS or a family history of the disease, consult with a neurologist or your primary care doctor for personalized advice. Always discuss major dietary or exercise changes with your healthcare provider, especially if you have existing health conditions or take medications.