Propionic acid and multiple sclerosis symptoms in people
What it found
In people with multiple sclerosis, taking propionic acid for up to 3 years was linked to fewer relapses, steadier disability levels and less brain shrinkage.
It also shifted certain immune cells after just 2 weeks.
What they found
Studies in people
Lower levels in patients
People with multiple sclerosis had much less propionic acid in their blood and stool than those without the condition. This gap was especially clear after their first symptom flare-up.
Immune cell shifts
After 2 weeks of taking propionic acid, people with multiple sclerosis had more regulatory T cells that work properly. Two other types of immune cells dropped significantly.
Fewer relapses over time
Follow-up checks after 3 years of taking propionic acid showed a lower yearly relapse rate. Disability stayed steady and brain shrinkage was reduced.
Cell energy restored
In people with multiple sclerosis, propionic acid brought the energy production and shape of regulatory T cells back to normal.
Studies in people and animals
Gut gene changes
Lab tests on gut samples showed higher activity in genes that encourage regulatory T cells after people took propionic acid.
What the authors conclude
- They suggest propionic acid could work as a strong immune-modifying supplement alongside multiple sclerosis drugs.
How it was done
Gut bacteria make short-chain fatty acids like propionic acid from dietary fiber, and these can affect the immune system. The authors wanted to see if propionic acid could help people with multiple sclerosis, an immune and nerve disease.
They measured propionic acid in the blood and stool of people with multiple sclerosis and compared them to people without it. They then gave propionic acid as a supplement to patients who had not yet started treatment and to those already on immune drugs. They tracked immune cell changes after 2 weeks and clinical outcomes over 3 years.
What it can’t tell you
- We summarised it from the abstract only.
- The 3-year results came from looking back at the data rather than a planned comparison group. This means scientists cannot be sure propionic acid alone caused the improvements.
Who paid
- Conflicts
- Declaration of Interests R.G. and A.H. have filed a patent on the supportive immunomodulatory effect of C3-C8 aliphatic fatty acids.
- Authors work at
- Ruhr University Bochum, Germany; Bar-Ilan University, Israel; Martin Luther University, Germany
The paper
- Title
- Propionic Acid Shapes the Multiple Sclerosis Disease Course by an Immunomodulatory Mechanism
- Type
- Study
- Evidence
- Studies in people · animals · lab
- Summarised from
- Abstract only
- Cite
- Duscha A, Gisevius B, Hirschberg S, et al (2020). Propionic Acid Shapes the Multiple Sclerosis Disease Course by an Immunomodulatory Mechanism. Cell. doi:10.1016/j.cell.2020.02.035PubMed 32160527DOI
Summary written 30 Sep 2026. Check it against the paper before it changes what you eat. How we summarise papers · Report an error