What is Diet?

The 'Swank Diet is a low saturated fat diet for the management of Multiple Sclerosis developed by Dr. Roy L. Swank (1909-2008) introduced in 1948. Swank's research has been disputed due to methodological concerns while secondary sources state that diet interventions do not have any major effect on the disease.

The diet consists on:

1. Saturated fat should not exceed 15 grams per day.

2. Unsaturated fat (oils) should be kept to 20-50 grams per day.

3. No red meat for the first year. After the first year, 3 oz. of red meat is allowed once per week.

4. Dairy products must contain 1% or less butterfat unless otherwise noted.

5. No processed foods containing saturated fat.

6. A good source of omega-3 (oily fish, cod liver oil, cod liver oil tablets, etc.) along with a multi-vitamin and mineral supplement are recommended daily.

There are no restrictions on wheat, gluten or dairy, but any foods that an MS sufferer is intolerant to should be avoided.