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Comprehensive Autopsy Program for Individuals with Multiple Sclerosis
Published on: July 19, 2019
Association between Mediterranean Diet and Development of Multiple Sclerosis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Fatemeh Shakouri1, Morteza Lotfi1, Ali Rostami1
1Student Research Committee, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.
Background:
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic inflammatory demyelinating disease of the central nervous system. Given the conflicting evidence regarding the impact of adherence to the Mediterranean diet (MedDiet) on MS development and the lack of a systematic review on this topic, this study aimed to examine this association.
Methods:
Following the PRISMA and JBI methods, a search of electronic databases was conducted through PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Scopus up to March 2024. Clinical original studies assessing the association between the MedDiet adherence and MS development were included. Risk of bias was evaluated using JBI critical appraisal tools. Meta-analyses were performed using CMA4 software.
Results:
Out of 202 screened records, eight studies, including five case-control and three cohort studies, met the inclusion criteria. Retrospective evidence from three case-control studies suggested that MedDiet adherence is associated with decreased odds of MS, whereas cohort studies showed no significant relationship. Based on the meta-analysis, there was a significant association between high adherence to the MedDiet and reduced odds of MS (fixed-effect OR: 0.275, 95% CI: 0.11-0.72, p-value <0.01, least MedDiet adherence as the reference).
Discussion:
Although the meta-analysis showed a significant inverse association between higher adherence to the MedDiet and the odds of MS, the overall body of evidence does not provide strong support for a preventive role of the MedDiet. Considering the limited number of included studies, the predominantly retrospective design, the high risk of bias in several studies, and the substantial observed heterogeneity, further well-designed prospective studies are needed.
Insights
Adherence to the Mediterranean diet (MedDiet) may reduce the odds of developing multiple sclerosis (MS). However, current evidence is limited, necessitating further research to confirm the MedDiet's preventive role in MS.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Nutritional Science
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic inflammatory central nervous system disease.
- Conflicting evidence exists on the Mediterranean diet's (MedDiet) impact on MS development.
- A systematic review was needed to clarify the MedDiet-MS association.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review and meta-analyze studies investigating the association between MedDiet adherence and MS development.
- To assess the potential preventive role of the MedDiet in multiple sclerosis.
Main Methods:
- Systematic literature search of PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Scopus up to March 2024.
- Inclusion of original clinical studies assessing MedDiet adherence and MS development.
- Meta-analysis using CMA4 software and risk of bias assessment with JBI tools.
Main Results:
- Eight studies (5 case-control, 3 cohort) were included.
- Case-control studies suggested MedDiet adherence decreases MS odds; cohort studies found no significant relationship.
- Meta-analysis revealed a significant inverse association between high MedDiet adherence and MS odds (OR: 0.275, p<0.01).
Conclusions:
- Meta-analysis indicates higher MedDiet adherence is linked to reduced MS odds.
- Overall evidence lacks strong support for the MedDiet's preventive role in MS.
- Further well-designed prospective studies are required due to study limitations and heterogeneity.
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