Multiple sclerosis, latitude and dietary fat: Is pork the missing link?

Abstract

The relationship between prevalence rates of multiple sclerosis (MS) in several countries and the corresponding per capita consumption of fat, beef and pork was investigated. A siqnificant correlation was obtained between prevalence of multiple sclerosis and fat intake (r = 0.63, p < 0.01), total meat intake (r = 0.61, p < 0.01) and pork consumption (r = 0.87, p < 0.001). There was no significant correlation with beef consumption. The mechanism by which pork intake may increase the risk of developing MS is unknown and deserves further study.