Supplement found to ease MS fatigue in small trial

A small study from Iran has found that taking daily supplements of ellagic acid, an antioxidant found naturally in plants, reduced disability, depression and anxiety levels in people with multiple sclerosis (MS), as well as fatigue.

Researchers recruited 58 people who had been diagnosed with MS for at least six months. They were randomly assigned either the supplement – two capsules of ellagic acid taken daily, totalling 180mg, or a placebo. Researchers took into account how many leftover capsules there were to determine compliance.

After three months, Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) scores had reduced in the supplement group by an average of 1.01 points, indicating a decrease in disability. The placebo group saw no change.

The patients taking ellagic acid showed a reduction in depression, anxiety and fatigue after the three months but these symptoms were virtually unchanged in the placebo group.

Ellagic acid is found in certain fruits and seeds, like raspberries, strawberries, red grapes, pomegranates, almonds, and walnuts, but can be taken as a supplement.

The researchers said larger studies are needed to investigate the benefits of ellagic acid.