The role of dietary fat in MS

Dr Barbara Brayner

Deakin University, VIC

February 2025

specialisation: Social And Applied Research

focus area: Better treatments

funding type: Fellowship

project type: Investigator Led Research

Summary

Dietary fat is one of the most controversial topics in diet and MS. Three of the most common diets marketed to people with MS have dietary fat at the core of their recommendations: Overcoming MS, Swank, and Wahls Paleodiets. However, those diets have conflicting views on dietary fat, with the Overcoming MS and Swank diets promoting a low-fat approach, and the Wahls Paleo diet promoting high-fat intakes.

Dr Barbara Brayner and her team will investigate the associations between dietary fat and the risk of MS and MS progression. They will use data from four countries (Australia, UK, Brazil and Japan) representing individuals with various ethnic backgrounds. Dr Brayner’s project will include data from Australia’s AusImmune and AusLong studies.

This project aims to produce high-quality evidence to support the development of guidance regarding dietary fat for people with MS. The impact could be substantial since making dietary changes is something people can implement in their daily lives.

lead investigator

Dr Barbara Brayner

co-investigator

total funding

$225,000

start year

2026

duration

4 years

STATUS

Current project

Stages of the research process

Fundamental laboratory Research

Laboratory research that investigates scientific theories behind the possible causes, disease progression, ways to diagnose and better treat MS.

Lab to clinic timeline

10+ years

Translational Research

Research that builds on fundamental scientific research to develop new therapies, medical procedures or diagnostics and advances it closer to the clinic.

Lab to clinic timeline

5+ years

Clinical Studies and Clinical Trials

Clinical research is the culmination of fundamental and translational research turning those research discoveries into treatments and interventions for people with MS.

Lab to clinic timeline

3+ years

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The role of dietary fat in MS