Nutritional profile of multiple sclerosis

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Nutritional Science
• Clinical Research

Background:

• Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an inflammatory neurodegenerative disease.
• Weight loss and malnutrition are common in advanced MS stages.
• Understanding nutritional profiles in MS is crucial for patient care.

Purpose of the Study:

• To define the nutritional profile in moderate-to-advanced MS patients.
• To document malnutrition prevalence and its evolution over time.
• To identify factors influencing nutritional status in MS.

Main Methods:

• A case-control study combining cross-sectional and 12-month longitudinal observational designs.
• Evaluation of nutritional status through clinical, anthropometric, dietary, and analytical data.
• Recruitment of 124 MS patients and 62 controls.

Main Results:

• Malnutrition or risk of malnutrition was observed in 8% of MS patients.
• Nutritional support was primarily needed by MS patients with advanced disability.
• Follow-up revealed five deaths, four of whom received nutritional support.

Conclusions:

• Malnutrition was infrequent in the studied moderate-to-advanced MS population.
• Dysphagia in advanced neurological disability correlates with the need for nutritional support.
• MS patients exhibit a tendency towards overweight, reduced energy expenditure, and muscle mass loss, with deficiencies in polyunsaturated fatty acids, fiber, and vitamin D.