Is Mediterranean diet associated with multiple sclerosis related symptoms and fatigue severity?

OBJECTIVE: Nutrition modulation can reduce multiple sclerosis (MS) related symptoms and fatigue severity. Mediterranean diet may be beneficial regarding anti-inflammatory components. However, previous studies are limited. This study aims to investigate the relationship between Mediterranean diet adherence and MS-related symptoms and fatigue severity. METHODS: One hundred and two adult MS patients were enrolled in this cross-sectional study. Dietary adherence was assessed using the Mediterranean diet assessment tool (MEDAS). MS-related symptoms were determined using the MS-related symptom checklist (MS-RS), and the fatigue severity scale (FSS) was applied. Linear regression models were established to assess predicted factors of MS-RS and FSS. RESULTS: The mean age of the participants was 33.1 ± 9.81 years. Being female and having higher education degree was 71.6% and 60.8%, respectively. In the linear regression model, MEDAS were not associated with MS-RS but negatively associated with FSS scores. MS-RS scores were significantly higher among participants who consumed more than one serving of red meat or products per day. Those who consumed less than one serving of butter, margarine, or cream per day reported lower FSS scores. Some trend significances were shown to consume limited sweet and lower FSS scores. Likewise, MS-RS scores were lower in those ≥three serving/week intake of fish. CONCLUSION: Following a Mediterranean-style diet should be encouraged to improve fatigue severity. Components, such as reduced consumption of red meat, saturated fatty acids, sweets and increased fish consumption, could be promising to reduce MS symptoms or fatigue severity. These findings should be proven with further intervention studies.

Dietary Inflammatory Index score and its association with body mass index, body fat percentage, body fat mass, and lipid profile in patients with multiple sclerosis.

Background/aim: Multiple sclerosis (MS) may cause modifications in body composition, particularly for body fat associated with obesity and some biochemical parameters such as lipid profiles. We investigated whether there is a link between the inflammatory contents of diets and body composition and lipid profiles in patients with MS. Materials and methods: This was a cross-sectional study that included 85 MS patients. The study data of the patients were collected in the Neurology Clinic of Ondokuz Mayis University's Health Practice and Research Center. The data included demographic characteristics; anthropometric measurements such as body weight, height, body mass index, waist circumference, hip circumference, body fat mass, body fat-free mass, and waist-hip ratio; and biochemical parameters such as high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-c), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, triglyceride, and total cholesterol. Results: The body fat percentages of the patients were higher among those with proinflammatory diets (p < 0.05). Body fat percentage had a positive and very weak correlation with the Dietary Inflammatory Index (DII) score (rho = 0.206 and rho = 0.217, respectively; p < 0.05). HDL-c levels were higher in the group with high DII scores and there was a positive and weak correlation between HDL-c and DII scores (rho = 0.307, p < 0.05). Crude and adjusted linear regression models showed that the effect of HDL-c on DII scores was significant (p < 0.05). Conclusion: We showed that DII scores, associated with the inflammatory potential of the diet and proinflammatory diets, may be associated with adiposity in MS patients and can be used from a clinical point of view for assessment.

Is Ramadan fasting associated with low scores of Healthy Eating Index?

Introduction: Background: intermittent fasting diets that reduce or completely restrict food intake for specific periods have become more popular in recent years. Fasting in Ramadan is also an example of these intermittent fasting practices. In fasting practices focusing on the duration of nutrition, less emphasis was placed on the information on the dietary pattern. Objective: this study aims to evaluate the Healthy Eating Index (HEI) and diet quality in fasting individuals in Ramadan. Material and methods: this study was a cross-sectional study, conducted with adults aged 18-65 years. Food consumption record was taken with a 24-h-record with food consumption form. Diet quality and adequacy were assessed with the HEI, Nutrient Adequacy Ratio (NAR), and Average Adequacy Ratio (MAR) from food consumption records. Results: according to study results, HEI and NAR Ca scores were statistically significantly lower in the fasting group than in the non-fasting group (p < 0.05). In the non-fasting group, HEI scores showed a negative correlation with body mass index (BMI) (kg/m2) and waist-hip ratio (r = -0.023, r = -0.148, p < 0.05). Conclusion: this study claimed that fasting might be associated with low scores of HEI. These results suggest that specific nutritional recommendations should be developed for fasting individuals.

Introducción: Introducción: las dietas de ayuno intermitente que reducen o restringen por completo la ingesta de alimentos durante periodos específicos se han vuelto más populares en los últimos años. El ayuno en Ramadán también es un ejemplo de estas prácticas de ayuno intermitente. En las prácticas de ayuno centradas en la duración de la nutrición, se ha puesto menos énfasis en la información sobre el patrón dietético. Objetivo: este estudio tiene como objetivo evaluar el índice de alimentación saludable (IAS) y la calidad de la dieta en personas en ayunas en Ramadán. Material y métodos: se trata de un estudio transversal, realizado con adultos de 18 a 65 años. El registro de consumo de alimentos se tomó con un registro de 24 horas con formulario de consumo de alimentos. La calidad y la adecuación de la dieta se evaluaron con el IAS, el índice de adecuación de nutrientes (NAR) y la ratio de adecuación promedio (MAR) de los registros de consumo de alimentos. Resultados: de acuerdo con los resultados del estudio, las puntuaciones de HEI y NAR Ca fueron estadísticamente significativamente más bajas en el grupo que hace ayuno que en el grupo sin ayuno (p < 0,05). En el grupo sin ayuno, las puntuaciones HEI mostraron una correlación negativa con el índice de masa corporal (IMC) (kg/m2) y la relación cintura-cadera (r = -0,023, r = -0,148, p < 0,05). Conclusión: este estudio afirmó que el ayuno podría estar asociado con puntuaciones bajas de IAS. Dichos resultados sugieren que se deben desarrollar recomendaciones nutricionales específicas para las personas que hacen ayuno.

Evaluation of the relationship between anxiety and nutritional habits in Turkish patients with multiple sclerosis during the Covid-19 outbreak / Avaliação da relação entre ansiedade e hábitos nutricionais em pacientes turcos com esclerose múltipla durante o surto da Covid-19

ABSTRACT Objective The Coronavirus disease 2019 is a global public health problem that has led to psychological disorders (depression, anxiety, etc.), especially in fragile individuals such as those affected by multiple sclerosis. This study investigated the relationship between anxiety and nutritional habits during the Coronavirus disease 2019 outbreak in multiple sclerosis patients. Methods This cross-sectional study was an online survey of multiple sclerosis patients living in Turkey. The total sample consisted of 294 multiple sclerosis patients. A questionnaire containing general demographic data, the Beck Anxiety Inventory, and nutritional attitudes and habits was applied to multiple sclerosis patients. Results Moderate or severe anxiety scores were found in 42.2% of multiple sclerosis patients. Weight gain was reported in 40.5% of them during the outbreak. A statistically significant difference was found in the distribution of individuals' Beck Anxiety Inventory scores for consumption of nuts/seeds, rice/pasta, cake/cookies, and water. A 1-unit increase in Beck Anxiety Inventory scores led to a 1.04 times increased consumption of bread and rice/pasta and a 1.05 times increased consumption of cake/cookies either before or after controlling for potential confounders. A 1-unit increase in Beck Anxiety Inventory scores led to a 1.06 times decreased consumption of water and a 1.04 times decreased consumption of meat and poultry, fruit (fresh), and rice/pasta, either before or after controlling for potential confounders. Conclusion During the Coronavirus disease 2019 outbreak, anxiety led to changes in multiple sclerosis patients' nutritional habits and food preferences. The continuous surveillance of psychological consequences and nutritional counseling during outbreaks should become routine as part of preparedness efforts worldwide.

RESUMO Objetivo A doença do Coronavírus - 2019, causada pelo Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2), é um problema de saúde pública global e tem levado os indivíduos desenvolverem distúrbios psicológicos (depressão, ansiedade, etc.), especialmente indivíduos frágeis, como aqueles afetados por esclerose múltipla. O objetivo deste trabalho foi investigar a relação entre ansiedade e hábitos nutricionais em pacientes com esclerose múltipla durante o surto de coronavírus. Métodos Este estudo transversal é resultado de uma pesquisa online com pacientes com esclerose múltipla que vivem na Turquia (n=294). Um formulário de questionário contendo dados demográficos gerais, o Inventário de Ansiedade de Beck e atitudes e hábitos nutricionais foi aplicado a pacientes com esclerose múltipla. Resultados Escores de ansiedade moderados ou graves foram encontrados em 42,2% dos pacientes com esclerose múltipla. O ganho de peso foi relatado em 40,5% durante o surto. Foi encontrada diferença estatisticamente significativa na distribuição dos escores do Inventário de Ansiedade de Beck dos indivíduos para o consumo de nozes/sementes, arroz/massa, bolo/biscoitos e água. Um aumento de uma unidade nas pontuações do Inventário de Ansiedade de Beck levou a um aumento de 1,04 vezes no consumo de pão e arroz/massa e 1,05 vezes no consumo de bolo/biscoitos antes ou depois de controlar possíveis fatores de confusão. Um aumento de uma unidade nas pontuações do Inventário de Ansiedade de Beck levou a uma redução de 1,06 vezes no consumo de água e 1,04 vezes no consumo de carnes e aves, frutas (frescas) e arroz/massa antes ou depois de controlar possíveis fatores de confusão. Conclusão Durante o surto de coronavírus, a ansiedade levou a mudanças nos hábitos nutricionais e nas preferências alimentares dos pacientes com esclerose múltipla. A vigilância contínua das consequências psicológicas e o aconselhamento nutricional para surtos devem se tornar rotina como parte dos esforços de preparação em todo o mundo.

Frequency of vitamin d deficiency in patients with lumbar spinal stenosis and its relationship with obesity, depression, and pain intensity: a cross-sectional study / Frequência da deficiência de vitamina D em pacientes com estenose espinhal lombar e sua relação com obesidade, depressão e intensidade da dor: um estudo transversal

ABSTRACT Objective This study was conducted to determine the frequency of vitamin D deficiency in patients with lumbar spinal stenosis and to define the relationship between vitamin D levels and obesity, depression, and pain intensity. Methods This study was conducted with 69 patients (Male = 32, Female = 37) diagnosed with lumbar spinal stenosis. The participants' 25(OH)D levels were measured by radioimmunoassay. In addition, bone metabolic status, including bone mineral density and bone turnover markers, was also evaluated. The Beck Depression Inventory was used to determine the depression statuses of the patients, while the McGill Melzack Pain Questionnaire was administered to measure pain intensity. The results were evaluated at a significance level of p<0.05. Results Vitamin D deficiency (<20 ng/mL) was found in 76.8% of the patients. Binary logistic regression analysis showed a significantly higher frequency of vitamin D deficiency in patients who: 1) had higher body mass indexes (OR 3.197, 95% CI 1.549-6.599); 2) fared higher in Beck's depression score (OR 1.817, 95% CI 1.027-3.217); and 3) were female rather than male (OR 1.700, 95% CI 0.931-3.224) (p<0.05). Conclusion In this study, vitamin D deficiency was prevalent in lumbar spinal stenosis patients. In addition, obese, depressed, and female individuals have higher risks of vitamin D deficiency.

RESUMO Objetivo Este estudo foi realizado para determinar a frequência de deficiência de vitamina D em pacientes com estenose espinhal lombar e para definir a relação entre os níveis de vitamina D e obesidade, depressão e intensidade da dor. Métodos Este estudo foi realizado com 69 pacientes (homens = 32, mulheres = 37) diagnosticados com estenose espinhal lombar. Os níveis de 25(OH)D dos participantes foram medidos por radioimunoensaio. Além disso, o estado metabólico ósseo, incluindo densidade mineral óssea e marcadores de remodelação óssea, também foi avaliado. O Inventário de Depressão de Beck foi usado para determinar os estados de depressão dos pacientes, enquanto o Questionário de Dor McGill Melzack foi aplicado para medir a intensidade da dor. Os resultados foram avaliados a um nível de significância de p<0,05. Resultados A deficiência de vitamina D (<20 ng/mL) foi encontrada em 76,8% dos pacientes. A análise de regressão logística binária mostrou uma frequência significativamente maior de deficiência de vitamina D nos seguintes pacientes: 1) com maior índice de massa corporal (OR 3,197, 95% IC 1,549-6,599); 2) com maior pontuação na escala de depressão de Beck (OR 1,817, 95% IC 1,027-3,217) e 3) do sexo feminino em vez de masculino (OR 1,700, 95% IC 0,931-3,224) (p<0,05). Conclusão Neste estudo, a deficiência de vitamina D foi prevalente em pacientes com estenose espinhal lombar. Além disso, pessoas obesas, deprimidas e mulheres correm maior risco de deficiência de vitamina D.

The Effectiveness of New Adiposity Indices on Plasma Lipid Profile in Patients with Multiple Sclerosis: A Cross-Sectional Study with A Body Shape Index, Body Roundness Index, and Visceral Adiposity Index.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to determine the effectiveness of three different indices used to identify the effect of visceral adiposity on lipid profile markers in patients with multiple sclerosis. METHODS: The study consisted of a total of 152 patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis who were aged 18 years and older. High-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-c), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-c), total cholesterol (TC), and triglyceride (TG) were accessed from the patient system. Patients' height, body weight, waist circumference, and hip circumference measurements were also obtained. The effects of three different adiposity indices, including A Body Shape Index (ABSI), the Body Roundness Index (BRI), and the Visceral Adiposity Index (VAI), on plasma lipid profile in multiple sclerosis patients were evaluated. The data were analyzed using the R software and SPSS 21 statistical software package. RESULTS: HDL-c was impacted by ABSI and VAI in males and only VAI in females (p < 0.05). An increase of 0.01 units of ABSI in males led to an increase of 5.88 mg/dL in plasma HDL-c level. In male patients with multiple sclerosis, LDL-c was positively affected by BRI and VAI changes (p < 0.05). One unit increase in BRI in males increased LDL-c level by 5.56 mg/dL, whereas 1 unit increase in VAI increased LDL-c level by 3.52 mg/dL (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: This study indicated that these three different indices employed to evaluate adiposity were associated with plasma lipid profile. The effect of VAI on plasma lipids is higher than that of the other indices. In patients with multiple sclerosis, the use of these practical and non-invasive indices will be useful in assessing plasma lipid profile.

The Relationship of Knowledge and Breastfeeding Practice to Maternal BMI.

This study aimed to investigate the effect of breastfeeding on maternal BMI and evaluate mothers' knowledge of infant feeding in Samsun, Turkey. A total of 289 mothers who had children ranging from 0 to 2 years of age and applied to the Family Health Centers were included in the study. The mothers filled out a questionnaire covering sociodemographic characteristics and knowledge on infant feeding. The data was evaluated using the SPSS with the descriptive statistics, the Student t-test, the chi-square test, and multiple linear regression analyses. Most of the mothers, who did never breastfeed their children, were either overweight or obese. As a result of the multiple linear regression analysis, we concluded that maternal age, number of pregnancies, time of first breastfeeding ≥ 12 hours, and early introduction of complementary foods positively affect maternal BMI. Increased maternal BMI is thought to be negatively correlated with decreased breastfeeding of babies immediately after birth.