Ultra-processed food consumption and multiple sclerosis incidence: A prospective cohort study

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Nutritional Science
• Epidemiology

Background:

• Ultra-processed foods (UPFs) are linked to neurodegenerative diseases, but evidence for multiple sclerosis (MS) is limited.
• UPFs may promote inflammation and oxidative stress, potentially influencing MS pathogenesis.
• Investigating UPF consumption and MS onset in middle-aged and older adults is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine the longitudinal association between ultra-processed food (UPF) consumption and the risk of developing multiple sclerosis (MS).
• To assess the relationship between dietary intake of UPFs and MS onset in a large cohort of middle-aged and older adults.

Main Methods:

• A cohort of 185,788 adults without MS at baseline (2009-2012) was studied.
• Dietary data, including UPF content categorized by the Nova system, was collected via web-based 24-h recalls at 5 time points.
• MS cases were identified through medical history, hospital admissions (ICD codes), and self-reports. Multivariable Cox proportional hazards models were used for analysis, adjusting for various covariates.

Main Results:

• The study included 185,788 participants (56.0 years mean age, 54% female).
• Ultra-processed foods (UPFs) constituted 19.1% of total dietary intake, with carbonated drinks, ready-to-eat meals, and processed breads being most common.
• Over 8.9 years, each 10% increase in UPF consumption was associated with a 9% higher risk of MS (HR 1.09; 95% CI: 1.003-1.19; P=0.04).

Conclusions:

• A weak but statistically significant association was observed between higher UPF consumption and increased MS risk in middle-aged and older adults.
• The modest effect size and inconsistent significance in sensitivity analyses warrant cautious interpretation of these findings.
• Further research is needed to validate these results in diverse populations and settings.