MS linked to gut microbiota

Multiple Sclerosis and Gut Microbiome

Gut health has been associated with Multiple Sclerosis. This particular study used twins to eliminate genetic and early-life factors. Using mice, it found that two bacterial strains found in the gut are linked to the onset of MS.

Your gut and MS

A study published on April 21, 2025(1) looked into the effects of gut bacteria on the development of multiple sclerosis (MS).

It used a group of 81 twins to eliminate confounding genetic and early development factors and analyzed their stool to determine the differences in microbes found in their gut.

MS is an inflammatory disease that affects the myelin that covers the nerve axons of the central nervous system. It is triggered by unknown environmental factors in genetically susceptible people. Lifestyle seems to be a trigger; it includes smoking, obesity, low vitamin D levels, and Epstein-Barr virus infection.

Recent studies show that gut microbes may also play a role in the onset of MS.

This particular study identified Eisenbergiella tayi and Lachnoclostridium as potential disease-facilitating bacteria in samples taken from the gut of MS-affected twins. These were considered as "a proof of concept that human ileal microbiota harbor pathogenic disease-triggering species and implicate two members of the Lachnospiraceae family as potentially responsible for an increased incidence [MS]"

Other studies have shown that Akkermansia muciniphila proliferated in people with MS, exerting a proinflammatory effect.

The authors point out that both bacteria, E. tayi and Lachnoclostridium are a "family of gut bacteria, a frequent component of the intestinal tract. But their function is controversial and not fully understood. For instance, some Lachnospiraceae are implicated with inflammation in the inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), but another study showed the opposite, the bacteria exerted an anti-inflammatory effect, mitigating inflammation.

The paper stresses that "the diet strongly modulates the gut microbiota composition and the transit time of digesta through the colon influences the activities of gut microbiota."