If you’re living with monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS), you may wonder whether changing your diet could help keep the condition from getting worse.

Although no diet has been proven to prevent MGUS from progressing, early research suggests that certain eating habits may offer benefits. Here’s what you should know about foods to eat, foods to limit, and whether supplements can help.

Is There a Specific Diet for MGUS?

No specific diet has been proven to prevent MGUS from progressing to multiple myeloma. However, eating more fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and other high-fiber foods may benefit your overall health.

🗳️ Have you changed your diet since being diagnosed with MGUS?

Yes, I’ve made major changes

Yes, I’ve made a few small changes

Not yet, but I’m thinking about it

No, I haven’t changed my diet

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MGUS affects plasma cells, a type of white blood cell. Although it isn’t cancer, about 1 percent of people with MGUS develop multiple myeloma or a related condition each year. Most people don’t need treatment, but regular checkups and blood tests help doctors watch for changes.

What the Research Says

Early research suggests that diet may play a role in MGUS, but the findings are mixed. A study linked eating more fruits, vegetables, and whole grains to a lower chance of having MGUS. The same study found that eating more processed meat was linked to a higher chance of having MGUS. However, this doesn’t prove that eating processed meat causes MGUS. Additionally, a larger 2026 study found no clear link between overall eating patterns and MGUS.

More promisingly, a small 2025 clinical trial found that a high-fiber, plant-based diet helped people with MGUS or smoldering myeloma improve their weight, cholesterol, and quality of life.

These findings are encouraging, but larger studies are needed to determine whether diet can actually slow MGUS progression.

Foods To Eat With MGUS

Because there is some evidence that a high-fiber, plant-based diet can be beneficial for people with MGUS, you may want to build your diet around these types of foods. Here are some nutrient-dense foods to consider including in your eating plan:

• Whole grains like oatmeal, brown rice, quinoa, and whole wheat breads
• Fiber-rich foods like leafy greens, berries, broccoli, chia seeds, almonds, lentils, and beans
• Healthy fats like extra virgin olive oil, nuts and seeds, and avocados
• Lean proteins like chicken, fish, tofu, and boiled eggs

When putting together a new eating plan, talk to your doctor or a dietitian for ideas and then gradually change the way you eat. Trying to change your diet too quickly without a plan can make it difficult to maintain.

If you’re used to eating a low-fiber diet, you may want to gradually increase your fiber intake over a few weeks. Getting too much fiber too soon can cause stomach upset. You should also stay hydrated, especially because fiber works best when you drink plenty of water.

Keep in mind, too, that there isn’t a specific diet that’s recommended for people with MGUS. This is largely because everyone has different dietary needs.

What About Supplements?

Some people with MGUS look to supplements like curcumin and omega-3s as a way to prevent their condition from progressing. But there’s limited research on the benefits of taking these dietary products.

However, early research shows that it’s possible these supplements may help reduce inflammation and boost gut health. For instance, researchers have found that curcumin may help with smoldering myeloma and omega-3 fatty acids may slow the growth of myeloma cells.

If you want to try taking supplements, talk to your healthcare provider first. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) doesn’t confirm the safety or effectiveness of supplements, so there’s no guarantee they’ll be safe for you.

It’s also possible that dietary products may not do all you hope they’ll do. If you decide to take a supplement, make sure your healthcare provider is aware. Sometimes supplements can interfere with other medications or make certain health conditions worse.

Special Dietary Considerations

MGUS can be linked to other health conditions, such as osteoporosis or kidney problems, that may require dietary changes.

• Osteoporosis — Your doctor may recommend more calcium-rich foods, such as milk, yogurt, and cheese.
• Kidney problems — If you have monoclonal gammopathy of renal significance (MGRS), a rare condition that damages the kidneys, you may need to limit alcohol or adjust your sodium, protein, and potassium intake.

Before making major dietary changes, talk to your doctor or a registered dietitian about what’s right for you.