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Mapping the Literature on Diet and Multiple Sclerosis: A Data-Driven Approach.
Xiaochen Qu1, Erin I Walsh2, Nicolas Cherbuin3
1Curtin School of Population Health, Curtin University, Bentley, WA 6102, Australia.
Nutrients
|November 26, 2022
Summary
This study provides a data-driven overview of diet and multiple sclerosis (MS) research. It identifies key research areas and highlights knowledge gaps, particularly concerning MS progression and specific dietary factors.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Nutrition Science
- Bibliometrics
Background:
- Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic, incurable neurological disease.
- Diet is a potential factor influencing MS onset and progression.
- Existing literature reviews on diet and MS often lack a holistic perspective.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide a data-driven overview of the literature landscape concerning diet and MS.
- To identify major research clusters and knowledge gaps in this field.
- To guide future research directions.
Main Methods:
- Citation network analysis of 1626 publications on diet and MS over 50 years.
- Topic analysis of identified publication clusters.
- Visualization using word clouds.
Main Results:
- Four primary research clusters emerged: MS risk/symptom management, mouse models, gluten sensitivity, and dysphagia.
- Publications after 1991 were more frequently highly cited, indicating an emerging field.
- Limited research exists on MS disease progression and specific food/nutrient impacts.
Conclusions:
- The field of diet and MS is rapidly evolving, with significant research focusing on risk and symptom management.
- There is a need for more studies investigating the role of diet in MS progression.
- Further research should address the limited evidence for many foods and nutrients in relation to MS.
