15-year study shows the benefits of eating fish regularly
At Overcoming MS, we’ve long advocated for a diet rich in whole, plant-based foods plus seafood, backed by strong evidence supporting its benefits for MS management. Now, a new long-term study from the Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery & Psychiatry adds even more weight to this recommendation, suggesting that eating fish regularly may help slow MS progression.
Interestingly, this aligns with findings from the HOLISM study, a landmark research project led by Professor George Jelinek, the author of ‘Overcoming Multiple Sclerosis’, which first highlighted the benefits of fish consumption and omega-3 supplementation for reduced relapse rates.
This study followed 2,719 people with MS in Sweden over a 15-year period, tracking their dietary habits and disability progression. Researchers examined how frequently participants ate:
Oily fish – such as salmon, mackerel, and tuna
Lean fish – such as cod, haddock, and pollock
They then compared these dietary habits with disability outcomes over time.
People who ate fish more frequently had a significantly lower risk of disability progression. Specifically, higher fish consumption was linked to:
44% lower risk of confirmed disability worsening (after adjusting for other lifestyle factors)
45% lower risk of reaching an expanded disability status scale (EDSS) score of 3 (indicating moderate disability)
43% lower risk of reaching an EDSS score of 4 (significant mobility challenges)
These benefits were even stronger in people who consistently ate fish throughout the study period.
Oily fish is well known for being rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which have powerful anti-inflammatory properties that may help protect against MS-related nerve damage.
However, eating lean fish – lower in omega-3 – was also linked to better outcomes. This suggests that other nutrients in fish may also play a key role in slowing MS progression.
One possible factor? Taurine – an amino acid found in significant amounts in fish and seafood. Taurine is the most abundant free amino acid in the brain, it is thought to have antioxidative and anti-inflammatory effects, which may support neurological health.
Another interesting finding from the study relates to gut microbiota – the name for the trillions of bacteria in our digestive system that play a role in immune function. A fish-rich diet may positively influence gut microbiota, helping regulate inflammation and potentially supporting MS management.
The study found that people who increased their fish consumption post-diagnosis saw benefits, including a lower risk of worsening disability. People who increased their fish intake after diagnosis had a 20% lower risk of progression than those who continued to rarely or never eat fish. This reinforces what many in the Overcoming MS community already know—lifestyle changes, including diet, can influence MS progression.
Over a decade later, the latest Swedish study reinforces what HOLISM first discovered—that fish consumption plays a key role in MS management. The HOLISM study, first published in 2013 and led by Professor George Jelinek, found that higher fish consumption and omega-3 supplementation were linked to a number of positive outcomes:
Importantly, HOLISM showed a dose-response effect, meaning that the more frequently participants ate fish, the better their health outcomes.
Consider adding:
If you don’t eat fish, you can still get omega-3s from plant-based sources or supplements—but this study highlights the unique benefits of seafood.
This research underscores the powerful role of diet in MS management. While more studies are needed, the message is clear: small, sustainable dietary changes—like eating more fish—could contribute to better long-term health with MS.
Want to incorporate more fish into your diet? Check out our delicious fish recipes for inspiration!
Read the full journal article here: Impact of fish consumption on disability progression in multiple sclerosis
Read the this part of the HOLISM study here: Association of fish consumption and omega 3 supplementation with quality of life, disability and disease activity in an international cohort of people with multiple sclerosis – PMC