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- Title
(WHI04) Dietary Patterns and Health-Related Quality of Life of Individuals with Multiple Sclerosis.
- Authors
Bisht, Babita; Mischley, Laurie K.; Titcomb, Tyler J.; Farahnik, Joshua; Snetselaar, Linda G.; Wahls, Terry L.
- Abstract
Background: Individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS) look for dietary changes to improve their disease outcome. Information regarding what specific dietary changes are being implemented by individuals with MS and if these changes affect quality of life (QOL) can be useful in shaping future research. Objectives: 1) To assess prevalence of MS-specific diets (eg, Wahls diet, Swank diet, vegan diet) and dietary patterns of individuals with MS. 2) To investigate effects of intake of certain food groups on relapses and self-reported QOL measure. Methods: Individuals with MS participated in an online survey and completed questions regarding intake of specific diets, frequency of intake of specific foods, relapses, and Patient-Reported Outcome Measurement Information System (PROMIS) based on past 6 months. PROMIS Global scores (range, 10-50) were used to measured QOL where higher scores reflect higher QOL. We estimated daily servings of foods from food frequency questions. In this cross-sectional analysis, we included 977 participants who provided complete data. Results: Individuals with MS with mean age 47.7 (SD 11) years and average 10 (SD 8.9) years since diagnosis participated in this study. Specific diets for MS were followed by 72% of participants, suggesting that most individuals with MS are implementing dietary changes. Most prevalent diets were Wahls (26%), paleolithic (16%), and anti-inflammatory (13%) diets. Some participants (11%) reported following multiple diets as well. Only 12% reported having a relapse in past 6 months. Mann-Whitney U tests showed that individuals who did not have any relapse had higher median daily intake of alcohol (0.08 vs 0.05 ounce equivalent, P = .016) than individuals who had relapses in prior 6 months. PROMIS Global average scores were 33.4 (SD 6.1). Median (interquartile range) daily servings intake of different foods were as follows: total fruits and vegetables, 2.2 (1.2-3.4); total dairy, 0.1 (0-0.5); total grains, 0.4 (0.1-1.4); total meat and fish, 3.7 (1.9-5.1); total alcohol, 0.1 (0-0.4); and total eggs, 0.1 (0-0.4). These results show low intake of dairy, grains, eggs, and alcohol among individuals with MS. Spearman correlation did not show any significant relationship between PROMIS Global scores and dosage of different food intake. However, Mann-Whitney U test showed that individuals who were not taking dairy had higher PROMIS scores than those who were (median 36 vs 33, P < .001). Additionally, individuals taking alcohol had higher PROMIS scores than those who were not taking any (median 34 vs 32, P = .001). These results suggest potential beneficial effects of avoiding dairy and consuming alcohol on QOL of individuals with MS. Conclusions: Most individu als with MS report making dietary changes to improve disease outcome. Dairy and alcohol may affect relapse rate and QOL of these individuals. Future studies should assess role of dietary changes as complimentary treatment for MS.
- Subjects
CONFERENCES &; conventions; DIET; MULTIPLE sclerosis; QUALITY of life; DISEASE relapse
- Publication
International Journal of MS Care, 2020, Vol 22, Issue S2, p82
- ISSN
1537-2073
- Publication type
Article