Experts have rejected claims that a popular celebrity-endorsed diet trend could increase the risk of deadly motor neurone disease (MND).
The 5:2 method, made famous by much-loved TV diet guru and Daily Mail columnist Dr Michael Mosley, has long been praised for improving blood sugar control and boosting brain function.
But a molecular biologist said this week that following the regimen interfered with the energy metabolism of his nerve cells, triggering amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), the most common form of ALS.
Dr Vivienne Cox, 65, said her old diet, high in sugar and carbohydrates, made up for these energy deficiencies.
However, scientists have cautioned that there is little evidence behind these claims and current research does not suggest such a link.
A molecular biologist said this week that following the diet interfered with the energy metabolism of her nerve cells, triggering the disease. Dr Vivienne Cox, 65, said her previous diet, high in sugar and carbohydrates, compensated for these energy deficiencies.
ALS, or locked-in syndrome, can cause paralysis and eventually death.
Last year, Sandra Bullocks’ partner Bryan Randall died and the acclaimed scientist suffered as well. Stephen Hawking.
Dr. Cox said The telegraphUntil I was 50, I led a carefree and pleasant life, enjoying good food, alcohol and sweets.
‘I was fairly fit, coming from an outdoor life where gardening and country walks were my main hobbies.
‘Then Michael Mosley’s idea of intermittent fasting became the trendy diet of the time. I had gained a bit of weight so I jumped on the 5:2 diet with great enthusiasm.
“I lost 1 kilo immediately and felt pretty good. I cut out refined sugar and limited carbs.”
Followers of the 5:2 diet restrict their calories to 500 or 600 per day for two days a week and then eat normally for the remaining five days.
But two years after starting the diet, she said she developed an “unbalanced walk” and “broke a few bones, always tripping on my right foot.”
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) or locked-in syndrome can cause paralysis and ultimately death. It was suffered by the famous scientist Stephen Hawking.
ALS also claimed the life of Sandra Bullock’s partner Bryan Randall (pictured with Sandra Bullock in 2018) last year.
Dr Cox, who has worked at two major pharmaceutical companies, said his ALS may have come on more quickly because restricting food intake could interfere with energy metabolism in cells.
He added: ‘Now, aged 64, I am in a wheelchair with a diagnosis of motor neurone disease.
“As a scientist, I have done extensive research to see what could have been the trigger for the onset of the disease, even though I have been a carrier of this mutation since birth. I strongly suspect that intermittent fasting is the culprit.”
However, Professor Sir John Hardy, professor of neuroscience at University College London, refuted Dr Cox’s claim, telling MailOnline: “Anecdotal reports like this do not constitute evidence.”
The Motor Neurone Disease Association does not recognise any link between diet and the onset of MND.
However, the agency says studies have found possible links between ALS and high levels of exercise, exposure to agricultural chemicals and a variety of heavy metals.
But this evidence “has often been contradictory and no clear conclusions can be drawn.”
With these limits, “it is not yet possible to offer guidance on how to reduce the risk of developing ALS,” the charity says.
Meanwhile, very limited animal research has suggested that there may be a link between intermittent fasting and the onset of ALS.
A 2004 study of 14 mice found that those on a calorie-restricted diet “reached clinical onset” of the disease earlier than those on no diet.
Writing in the diary Muscle and nerveThe researchers said: “These results suggest that a calorie-restricted diet is not a protective strategy for patients with ALS (the most common form of MDN) and is therefore contraindicated.”
But there are currently no human studies on the effects of intermittent fasting on MND.
Dr. Mosley was introduced to the 5:2 diet through a 2011 study and it became the backbone of his 2013 book The Fast Diet.
On the diet’s website, Dr Mosley said those who follow it can expect to lose around 0.5kg a week and enjoy health benefits from improvements in blood pressure and cholesterol levels to improved insulin sensitivity.
The health guru even found personal success with the 5:2 diet when he reversed his type 2 diabetes.
Animal studies have also suggested that it may increase the regenerative capabilities of stem cells, fight cancer and even improve life expectancy.
But despite numerous studies suggesting it works, experts remain divided on the effectiveness of intermittent fasting and its potential long-term health impacts.
Jennifer Aniston, Chris Pratt and Kourtney Kardashian are among the Hollywood celebrities who have embraced the trend since it rose to fame in the early 2010s. But despite numerous studies suggesting it works, experts remain divided over its effectiveness and potential long-term health impacts.
Some argue that fasting individuals often end up consuming a relatively large amount of food in one sitting, meaning they do not cut back on calories, a known way to combat obesity.
Even they warns that it may increase the risk of strokes or heart attacks.
ALS It is a rare disease that progressively damages parts of the nervous system.
It occurs when specialized nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord, called motor neurons, stop working properly, a condition known as neurodegeneration.
The life expectancy of approximately half of those suffering from this disease is between two and five years from the onset of symptoms.
However, some people can live up to 10 years, and in rarer circumstances, even longer.
Around 5,000 people in the UK and 30,000 in the US suffer from the condition.
Locked-in syndrome (LIS) is a rare neurological disorder that can also occur in some progressive cases of ALS.