Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic, autoimmune inflammatory disease of the central nervous system (CNS) with an increasing prevalence. It is a progressive condition that typically worsens over time and is the most common debilitating neurodegenerative disease among young adults. MS is characterized by lesions in the CNS that can lead to physical or cognitive impairments such as sensory disturbances, visual impairments, lack of coordination, and paralysis. Various subtypes of the disease exist, with female patients outnumbering males two to one. Researchers have long been studying factors that may influence MS onset, with diet being one key area of interest.
Italian researchers conducted a study using data from the UK Biobank, one of the largest biomedical databases available, to analyze how diet and other lifestyle factors may impact the development of MS. The study cohort initially consisted of 502,507 participants, with MS cases being identified based on hospital admissions or self-reported diagnoses. Participants completed food frequency questionnaires and online interviews to report their dietary habits over the previous year. The researchers also collected data on additional lifestyle factors such as body mass index (BMI), smoking habits, and physical activity levels.
The study found that individuals who smoked, had vitamin D deficiencies, or had a history of Epstein-Barr virus infection were at increased risk of developing MS. Genetic determinants for obesity and childhood obesity were also linked to elevated MS risk. Adherence to a Mediterranean-style diet showed an inverse correlation with MS onset, suggesting that a diet rich in plant-based and whole foods, along with moderate fatty fish consumption, may help protect against the condition. Eating fatty fish once weekly appeared to be more protective than more frequent consumption.
Registered dietitians not involved in the research expressed some concerns about the study’s limitations. The UK Biobank cohort consists of volunteers who are primarily white and high-income individuals, which may not be representative of the general population. Additionally, there is potential for recall bias in self-reported food intake data, and the small number of MS cases in the study may reduce the statistical power of the analysis. Observational studies like this one cannot establish causality, and reverse causality could be an issue if people diagnosed with MS changed their eating habits post-diagnosis.
Despite these limitations, the study’s authors believe that their findings provide novel insights into the role of dietary patterns in MS onset. They suggest that further specific studies may help establish evidence-based protocols for MS prevention and management. By considering different disease subtypes and phenotypes, as well as personalizing dietary approaches through precision nutrition, researchers may uncover new insights that could benefit individuals with MS. Ultimately, the study contributes to ongoing efforts to understand the complex interplay between diet, lifestyle factors, and MS development.
