*2.4. Intervention*

Once the selection criteria had been applied, a final sample of 51 MS patients was obtained. They were randomly divided into the intervention and control group. The intervention group received an isocaloric diet for 4 months (adapted to the individual characteristics of each patient and divided into 5 meals a day: breakfast, mid-morning snack, lunch, afternoon snack and dinner) enriched with 60 mL of extra virgin coconut oil divided into 2 equal intakes (30 mL for breakfast and 30 mL for lunch), and supplemented with 800 mg of EGCG administered in two capsules of 400 mg to be taken twice a day (once capsule in the morning and another in the afternoon).

On the other hand, the control group followed the same isocaloric diet as the intervention group for the same 4 months, as well as administering placebo (capsules containing microcrystalline cellulose, matching in size and colour). They followed the same instructions as the intervention group. The base diet followed by both groups included the following percentage distribution of the 3 main macronutrients with respect to the total caloric value: 20% proteins, 40% carbohydrates and 40% Mediterranean lipids.

This diet was based on the Mediterranean-type food pattern, and was characterised for being balanced, varied and with sufficient calories, by providing adequate food proportions divided into 5 daily intakes. The consumption of proteins with a high biological value of animal origin such as fresh fish, eggs and dairy products (milk, yoghurt and cheese) were highlighted, to the detriment of meat and meat products. In addition, plant protein was provided based on a combination of cereals and pulses. In terms of carbohydrates, they were complex and rich in fibre, provided from rice, cereals, wholegrain bread, pulses, tubers, vegetables and fruit. Regarding lipids, there was a predomination of monounsaturated fatty acids from extra virgin olive oil and nuts rich in omega-3 and omega-6, thus minimising the intake of saturated fatty acids. It is also important to highlight the high level of antioxidants in the diet, especially polyphenols estimated from the work carried out by Manach et al. [30] of 758.85 mg per day, per kg of various fresh foods containing them.
