title: [Polyunsaturated fatty acids for multiple sclerosis treatment: scientific evidence].
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Fatty acids have an important role in structure and function of the nervous system. Recently, epidemiologic studies on neurodegenerative disorders have evaluated the usefulness of polyunsaturated fatty acids on multiple sclerosis.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To examine recent studies, clinical trials, and reviews on the therapeutic effect of polyunsaturated fatty acids in multiple sclerosis.
  
  
  METHODS
  We conducted a search in MEDLINE/PubMed and Cochrane Library with the terms "fatty acids", "omega-3" and "omega-6" in combination with "multiple sclerosis". Articles were selected according to their relevance on the topic.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Epidemiologic studies have shown benefits of dietary supplementation with polyunsaturated fatty acids--especially omega-3--in relation to inflammatory, autoimmune and neurodegenerative disorders. In contrast, the studies do not show a beneficial effect of polyunsaturated fatty acids in multiple sclerosis. However, there are limitations related to design and sample issues in these studies.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  There is some evidence of a protective effect of polyunsaturated fatty acids on the risk of multiple sclerosis. Despite this, to date controlled trials have not produced definite results on the benefits of supplementation with polyunsaturated fatty acids in patients with multiple sclerosis. Any potential benefit will have to be confirmed in the long term.
authors: Escuela de Nutrición, Campus Universitario Siglo XXI, Toluca, Estado de México, México. Address: Av. Universidad N° 655, CP 62100, Cuernavaca, Morelos, México. Email: chernand@insp.mx.
authors: Monserrat
authors: M
authors: Kong-González
authors: Campus de la Salud, Universidad Latinoamericana, Cuernavaca, Morelos, México.
authors: Jesús Giovanni
authors: JG
authors: Pérez-Cortéz
authors: Centro de Investigación en Salud Poblacional, Instituto Nacional de Salud Pública, Cuernavaca, Morelos, México.
authors: Carlos
authors: C
authors: Hernández-Girón
authors: Centro de Investigación en Nutrición y Salud, Instituto Nacional de Salud Pública, Cuernavaca, Morelos, México.
authors: Nayeli
authors: N
authors: Macías-Morales
authors: Centro de Investigación en Nutrición y Salud, Instituto Nacional de Salud Pública, Cuernavaca, Morelos, México.
authors: Mario
authors: M
authors: Flores-Aldana
mesh_terms: D019587:Dietary Supplements; D015525:Fatty Acids, Omega-3 / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D005231:Fatty Acids, Unsaturated / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D006801:Humans; D009103:Multiple Sclerosis / Q000178:diet therapy*
chemical_list: D015525:Fatty Acids, Omega-3; D005231:Fatty Acids, Unsaturated
keywords: PUFA; múltiple sclerosis; narrative review; polyunsaturated fatty acids