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Reproductive, Dietary, and Physical Activity Factors Associated With Multiple Sclerosis: A Case-Control Study
Nazanin Razazian1, Shiva Bashiri2, Asma Aliahmadi2
1Neuroscience Research Center, Health Institute Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences Kermanshah Iran.
Health Science Reports
|July 3, 2026
Summary
This study found that lower intake of fish, seafood, nuts, and dairy products, along with reduced vigorous physical activity, were linked to higher multiple sclerosis (MS) risk in Iran. Fish oil supplement use was also less common in MS patients.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Epidemiology
- Nutritional Science
Background:
- Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a complex neurological condition influenced by genetic and environmental factors.
- Dietary habits, reproductive history, and physical activity levels are potential contributors to MS susceptibility.
- Investigating these factors in specific geographic regions like Kermanshah Province, Iran, is crucial for understanding MS etiology.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the association between dietary intake, supplement use, reproductive characteristics, and physical activity with the risk of developing MS.
- To identify potential modifiable risk factors for MS in the Iranian population.
- To provide data that can inform public health strategies and future research.
Main Methods:
- A case-control study involving 300 individuals with MS and 300 matched healthy controls from Kermanshah, Iran.
- Data collection utilized the validated Persian version of the Environmental Exposure and Lifestyle Risk Factors in MS Questionnaire (EnvIMS-Q).
- Logistic regression analysis was employed to calculate crude and adjusted odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs).
Main Results:
- Lower consumption of fish, seafood, nuts, and dairy products was significantly associated with increased MS risk.
- Reduced use of fish oil supplements was observed in MS patients compared to controls.
- Higher frequencies of oral contraceptive use, miscarriage, and assisted reproduction were reported by female MS patients; vigorous physical activity was lower in MS patients.
Conclusions:
- Dietary patterns, specific supplement use, reproductive factors, and physical activity levels are associated with MS in a high-prevalence Iranian region.
- Lower intake of nutrient-rich foods and reduced vigorous physical activity correlate with higher odds of MS.
- Further prospective studies are recommended to establish temporal relationships and causality.
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