Higher ultra-processed food consumption is associated with higher likelihood of paediatric-onset multiple sclerosis

Diets are increasingly dominated by ultra-processed foods, which have been linked to several chronic diseases. Emerging evidence suggests an association between ultra-processed food consumption and inflammatory diseases, including multiple sclerosis (MS).

To assess associations between consumption of ultra-processed foods and paediatric-onset MS (PoMS).

We used data from the microbiome sub-study of the Canadian Pediatric Demyelinating Disease Network Study for PoMS cases (symptom onset aged <18 years) and unaffected controls. Data on consumption of ultra-processed foods (defined within the Nova system) were derived from dietary intake data collected using the Block Kids Food Screener. Dietary contribution of ultra-processed foods (% of total grams consumed per day) was estimated. Logistic regression models were used to examine associations between ultra-processed food consumption (continuous and tertiles) and likelihood of PoMS. Models were adjusted for age at dietary data collection, sex, race, region of residence, and total energy intake.

Dietary data were collected from PoMS participants (females=57, males=23) aged 5-28 years and controls (females=30, males=16) aged 8-26 years. Each additional 10% in ultra-processed food consumption was associated with a 35% higher odds of being a PoMS participant (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]=1.35, 95% CI 1.05, 1.73). Participants in the highest (versus lowest) tertile for ultra-processed food consumption had over five times higher odds of being a PoMS participant (aOR=5.30, 95% CI 1.36, 20.70).

Participants with PoMS reported greater consumption of ultra-processed foods compared to unaffected peers. More comprehensive longitudinal dietary histories are required to better understand this observation.