§ Mr. Carter-Jonesasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if, in view of the disagreements regarding the possible benefits of gluten-free and other diets for multiple sclerosis sufferers, she will arrange for individual claims of success made by people with this disease to be investigated in case this evidence may indicate that these diets in certain circumstances may have a beneficial effect: and if she will make a statement.
§ Mrs. CastleI am advised that there is no scientific evidence to support the idea that a gluten-free diet is beneficial in multiple sclerosis. Nevertheless, in view of claims made by individual patients, a small number of pilot trials of gluten-free diets have been carried out in multiple sclerosis patients, but without evidence of benefit. Thus there would be no case at present for mounting controlled clinical 479W trials which would involve considerable research effort.
Linoleic acid treatment, in the form of daily doses of sunflower oil, is at present under evaluation. There have been some indications of possible benefit but clear evidence must await the results of the various trials now in progress.
The Medical Research Council is interested in these trials and has carried out experimental work relevant to linoleic acid diet.
§ Mr. Carter-Jonesasked the Secretary of State for Social Services (1) what representations she has received from the Multiple Sclerosis Action Group as well as other groups and individuals into the possible benefits from gluten-free and other diets; and if she will make a statement;
(2) what representations she has received from the Multiple Sclerosis Action Group regarding increased research into possible causes and cures of multiple sclerosis; and if she will make a statement.
§ Mrs. CastleDuring the past 12 months I have received one letter from a member of the Multiple Sclerosis Society about availability of sunflower seed oil as a treatment for the disease under the National Health Service.
Last November I received a letter from the chairman of the Multiple Sclerosis Action Group requesting a meeting to discuss arrangements for research into the disease and suggestions for future action. I suggested it would be preferable for him to send details of his criticisms for us to consider in connection with the report on the proceedings of a two-day conference on the disease held in London last October. I have had no further approach from the group; the report on the proceedings should be published this autumn.