Effects of a Combined Supplementation of Conjugated Linoleic Acid (CLA) and Probiotics (Vivomixx®) as add-on to a First-line Immunotherapy in Relapsing-remitting Multiple Sclerosis

Effects of a Combined Supplementation of Conjugated Linoleic Acid (CLA/Tonalin® FFA 80) and Probiotics (Vivomixx®/VSL#3) as add-on to a First-line Immunotherapy in Relapsing-remitting Multiple Sclerosis

The goal of this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled multicenter study is to investigate whether the combination of food supplementation with Tonalin® and specific probiotics is a safe and effective add-on to first-line disease modifying treatment (DMT, interferon-beta derivatives as well as glatirameracetate and other glatirameroids) in relapsing remitting MS (RRMS).

100 patients will be randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio to receive either both food supplements for 48 weeks or to receive placebo in addition to their established first-line disease modifying treatment (DMT). The two randomized groups will be compared concerning the change in volume of T2-weighted hyperintense lesions from baseline to 48 weeks.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis according to current McDonald Criteria, EDSS maximal 5.5, 18-60 years
• stable treatment with first-line DMT (IFNbeta, teriflunomide or glatiramer acetate/ other glatirameroids) for at least 6 months
• absence of a clinical relapse for at least 3 months before inclusion
• Written informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

• diagnosis of primary or secondary progressive MS or other active autoimmune disease

• intake/administration of the following disease modifying therapies:

  1. at any time point: alemtuzumab, cladribine
  2. during the last 6 months before inclusion: natalizumab, fingolimod, dimethyl fumarate, siponimod
  3. during the last 12 months before inclusion: mitoxantron, ocrelizumab, ofatumumab, rituximab

• ingestion of other dietary supplementation (e.g. vitamins, probiotics, iron, calcium, prebiotics, such as omega-3-fatty acids)

• significant gastroenterological abnormality (e.g. inflammatory bowel disease, short bowel disease, preexisting digestive lesions)

• accompanying systemic immunosuppressive treatment

• relevant dietary restriction (e.g. strictly vegan nutrition)

• women during pregnancy or lactation