Mediterranean diet is linked to less objective disability in multiple sclerosis.

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Nutritional Science
• Clinical Research

Background:

• The multiple sclerosis (MS) community shows significant interest in diet's role in managing disability.
• Empirical evidence linking diet to MS disability outcomes is currently limited.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between adherence to the Mediterranean diet and objective disability markers in a real-world cohort of individuals with MS.
• To evaluate patient-reported outcomes related to disability and well-being in relation to Mediterranean diet alignment.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of data from 563 individuals with MS (aged 18-65) using the Mediterranean Diet Adherence Screener (MEDAS).
• Objective disability was assessed using the MS Functional Composite (MSFC) and its components.
• Patient-reported outcomes (PROs) including disability, gait disturbance, fatigue, anxiety, and depression were collected.
• Multiple regression models were employed to predict MSFC and PROs based on MEDAS scores, adjusting for demographic and health-related covariates.

Main Results:

• Higher adherence to the Mediterranean diet (higher MEDAS scores) was independently associated with better outcomes on the MSFC and PROs.
• Each point increase in MEDAS score correlated with a 15.0% reduced risk of MSFC impairment.
• Greater Mediterranean diet adherence was found to mitigate the negative effects of progressive disease and longer disease duration on disability.

Conclusions:

• Higher alignment with the Mediterranean diet predicts reduced objective and patient-reported disability in individuals with MS, even after controlling for confounding factors.
• These findings provide a foundation for future longitudinal and interventional studies to inform clinical dietary recommendations for MS management.