Abstract
BackroundMultiple sclerosis is a neurodegenerative disorder with a wide range in disease course severity. Many factors seem to be implicated in multiple sclerosis disease course, and diet has been suggested to play a role. Because limited data is present in the literature it was investigated whether variations in dietary intake may be related to the severity of the disease course in multiple sclerosis.MethodsUsing a food diary during 14 days, the dietary intake of 23 nutrients and vitamins was measured in patients with primary progressive (n = 21), secondary progressive (n = 32), and benign multiple sclerosis (n = 27) and compared to each other. The intake measured was also compared to the intake of the Dutch population and to the recommended daily allowance.ResultsCompared to the other MS groups, the secondary progressive MS patients had a lower intake of magnesium, calcium and iron. The total group of MS patients had, compared to the Dutch population, a lower intake of folate, magnesium and copper and a lower energy intake. Compared to the daily recommended allowance, the MS patients had a lower than recommended intake of folic acid, magnesium, zinc and selenium.ConclusionMagnesium, calcium and iron intake may possibly be related to MS disease progression, and should receive further attention. This is important because no effective neuroprotective treatment for MS patients is available.
Highlights
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a common neurodegenerative autoimmune mediated disorder of the central nervous system
The most striking result was an approximately 20% lower intake of magnesium (p = 0.009) and a 15% lower intake of calcium (p = 0.03) in patients with secondary progressive MS compared to patients with either benign or primary progressive MS
Compared to Dutch population the intake of the following nutrients was significantly lower in MS patients: protein (p < 0.002), SAFA (p = 0.002), MUFA (p < 0.002), total fat (p = 0.005), cholesterol (p = 0.01), folic acid (p < 0.002), magnesium (p = 0.002) and copper (p = 0.01)
Summary
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a common neurodegenerative autoimmune mediated disorder of the central nervous system. The typical clinical presentation of MS is that of a relapsing-remitting disorder. The majority of MS patients accumulates irreversible physical disability in time and switch to a secondary progressive form in which there is a continuous downhill course that may still be accompanied by overlapping relapses. A subgroup of patients with relapsing-remitting MS shows a benign course with no disease progression and minimal disability decades after the first manifestations. These patient may switch to a progressive state. There is a primary progressive form of MS in which patients show progression of disability from the onset of disease with or without overlapping relapses
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