52 msfocusmagazine.org Fatty diet may boost relapse risk in kids According to a new study, a fatty diet may increase the risk of a relapse in kids with multiple sclerosis by as much as 56 percent, with saturated fat linked to a tripling in risk. On the other hand, high vegetable intake may cut the risk of relapse in half. The findings were published online in the Journal of Neurology Neurosurgery & Psychiatry. Dr. Thrower: Turns out, our moms were right. We should have eaten more vegetables as kids. Many risk factors for the development of MS are beyond a person’s control, including genetics and some environmental factors. We are becoming increasinglyaware of factors that are in our control, however. Recent research has focused on childhood obesity, tobacco use, salt intake, and vitamin D levels. Now, it appears we may be able to add a fatty diet in childhood to the list. Ironically, this may not really be new information. The late Dr. Roy Swank was preaching a similar messagedecadesago.Ifrequentlygetquestions from people in the MS community regarding the best dietary practices. I’m not sure we have all the answers yet and there may not be a perfect diet for every person with MS, but I think we can put a few guidelines out there: 1) Get yourvitamin D levels checked. Research has shown that 25 hydroxyvitamin D levels between 50-80 may be best. Don’t blindly take mega-doses of vitamin D because excessive amounts are not healthy either. 2) Moderation is the key when it comes to fat andsaltintake.Eatmorefruitsandvegetables. 3) Try to maintain a healthy body weight. 4) Don’t use tobacco products. 5) Listen to your mom. Transcranial direct current stimulation reduces fatigue linked to MS People with multiple sclerosis who under- went a noninvasive form of electrical brain stimulation experienced significant reductions in fatigue, according to new research from the Multiple Sclerosis Comprehensive Care Center at NYU Langone Health. The findings were published online in the Multiple Sclerosis Journal. Dr.Thrower: For many in the MS community, fatigue is an unwelcome dailyvisitor. Surveys have shown that fatigue is present in most people with MS, with many listing it as their most bothersome symptom. Through the use of exercise, sleep hygiene, and medications, Medicine & Research Doctor’s Notes The Doctor’s Notes column includes analysis from Ben Thrower, M.D., MS Focus senior medical advisor. Dr. Thrower draws from the top news stories of the quarter and explains what the news means to you, the person with MS.