Central College students and alumni from the kinesiology, biology and chemistry programs recently completed a research project analyzing how people with multiple sclerosis seek dietary information online. The analysis was published in Science Digest.
The project focused on a qualitative summary of 306 posts by users of the r/MultipleSclerosis subreddit on Reddit, a popular social media platform. The goal was to better understand where individuals with MS turn for dietary guidance and how those sources influence their choices.
Dietary modifications are commonly reported among people with MS, with some surveys suggesting that up to half of individuals with the disease alter their diet to manage symptoms or slow progression. While early studies have suggested that certain diets may improve MS-related symptoms and quality of life, real-world evidence supporting these findings remains limited. Additionally, diet is not currently part of standard MS care, and healthcare providers often offer limited or inconsistent advice on the topic. This gap leaves many individuals with MS turning to external sources — including online communities — for guidance.
“Our research highlights how people with MS are using online platforms to share experiences and seek dietary information,” says Sara Shuger Fox, Central associate professor of kinesiology, who supervised the project along with Tyler Titcomb, instructor of internal medicine at the University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine.
The research was a collaborative effort led by Nathan Kuhlman, Class of 2024, who drafted the initial manuscript. Additional contributions in writing, data curation, visualization and editing were made by Karsyn Lamm, Class of 2025, Gabriel Wilson, Class of 2024, and Brody Klein, Class of 2024.
The project not only sheds light on how individuals with MS approach dietary self-management but also emphasizes the role of online communities in filling gaps in healthcare communication.
“This study gave us an opportunity to apply classroom knowledge to a real-world issue that affects many people,” Lamm says. “It’s meaningful to know our work could help inform future patient care and communication.”
For information about supporting student research, visit central.edu/give or 641-628-5154.