A new study suggests that people with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis who consume low to moderate amounts of alcohol experience slower disability progression compared to non-drinkers.

The research, published in Neurology Neuroimmunology and Neuroinflammation, analyzed data from over 9,000 MS patients in Sweden.

The study found that light to moderate drinkers were 11% to 16% less likely to experience clinical progression than non-drinkers. These patients also showed a lower likelihood of reaching moderate or significant disability levels.

“Communicating and implementing data on the potential beneficial effects of alcohol in MS is challenging, given the well-documented adverse effects of alcohol consumption on human health,” the researchers noted. They emphasized that alcohol should not be used to avoid disease progression, but rather the findings should prompt further research into the underlying mechanisms.

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Gender Differences and MS Types in Alcohol’s Effects

The relationship between alcohol consumption and slower disability progression was only significant in RRMS patients, not in those with primary progressive MS. The trend was more pronounced in women than in men.

About half of the patients in the study reported low to moderate alcohol consumption, defined as up to 108 grams (about eight standard drinks) per week for women or 168 grams (about 12 standard drinks) per week for men. 44% were non-drinkers, and 6% were high consumers of alcohol.

Researchers Call for Further Investigation

The researchers stressed the need for more investigation into the effects of alcohol in MS, particularly considering subgroup analyses across diverse patient populations. They hope that understanding the biological mechanisms linking alcohol to better disease outcomes could lead to the development of new MS treatments or dietary interventions that don’t involve alcohol consumption.

Read more at Multiple Sclerosis News Today