relation between nutritional factors and multiple sclerosis: an Egyptian study

ABSTRACT

No single environmental exposure has been consistently identified as a causal factor in MS. It has been suggested that nutrition and food patterns may play a role in the aetiology of MS. To explore the nutritional pattern of MS Egyptian patients in comparison with that of controls. The relation between nutritional factors and MS was studied among 30 MS patients and 30 matched controls in neurology department Cairo University between June 2006 and January 2007. Dietary information was collected by employing 24 hours recall method and food frequency questionnaire. MS patients were underbuilt with lower BMI as compared to controls. Also patients seem to consume less vitamin A, B1, C, carbohydrates, proteins and more fat. A significant negative correlation was found between patient disability as measured by EDSS and iron and B1 intake. We found no statistical significant difference between patients and controls in zinc, iron, calcium, vitamin A, B2, C carbohydrates, fat and protein on one hand and patient disability. The study generally supports a protective role for antioxidants and increased risk of MS with fat consumption