Caffeine Exposure in Adults with Multiple Sclerosis

Abstract

ObjectiveMultiple Sclerosis (MS) is a degenerative disease with no known cure, therefore finding ways to slow the progression and treat the symptoms is imperative. Caffeine or caffeine‐containing beverages have been shown to slow progression or decrease symptoms. The goal of this survey is to describe the caffeine exposure within the MS population.MethodsThis period prevalence study uses an online questionnaire to assess caffeinated beverage consumption habits of participants with MS over the past six months. Caffeine questions assess whether participants consume caffeinated beverages including coffee, espresso, decaffeinated coffee, decaffeinated espresso, instant coffee, black tea, green tea, soda, diet soda, energy drinks, and energy shots. All questions are part the Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) Care in MS survey.ResultsThe total number of respondents to the CAM Care in MS Survey was 220. Diagnosis dates are as old as 1964, and as recent as 2015. The majority of respondents suffer from RRMS (65%), are female (85%), are married (66%), are Caucasian (94%), and have not suffered a relapse requiring hospitalization in the last six months (91%). There is a range of disability statuses reported within this group. No disability (EDSS 1) was reported by 31.6% of respondents, mild disability (EDSS 2) by 32.6%, moderate disability (EDSS 3) by 10.7%, gait disability (EDSS 4) by 6.0%, early cane disability (EDSS 5) by 4.2%, late cane disability (EDSS 6) by 4.7%, bilateral support (EDSS 7) by 4.2%, wheelchair dependent (EDSS 8) by 6.0%, and immobility (EDSS 9) by 0%. A sample (n=17) of the CAM Care in MS survey responded to the question “Do you drink caffeinated beverages?”. Of those, 59% said yes. Of the sample who said yes, drinking coffee and espresso were reported by 75% of respondents, green tea by 64%, black tea by 58% soda by 33%, decaffeinated coffee and diet soda by 8%, and energy drinks and energy shots by 0%.ConclusionThe primary source of caffeine from beverages in this population was coffee and espresso. Green and black tea were consumed, but to a lesser degree. Few people reported consuming soda of any type and no respondents reported consuming energy drinks or shots. If caffeine is a factor in MS, then identifying and quantifying sources is important for gaining insight into the correlation between caffeine consumption and current disability status. Lack of effective treatment for MS makes finding ways to slow progression paramount, especially if that can be done through modifiable lifestyle factors.