Researchers are still uncertain about the exact causes of multiple sclerosis (MS), a chronic, autoimmune inflammatory disease of the central nervous system. However, current research points to genetic and environmental factors as potential influences in the onset of the condition. A study conducted by Italian researchers using data from the UK Biobank, one of the largest available biomedical databases, aimed to explore how diet and lifestyle factors may impact the development of MS. The study authors suggest that there is potential for diet to serve as a modifiable risk factor for the disease, motivating further investigation in this area.
MS is a progressive disease that can lead to various physical and cognitive impairments due to the immune system attacking myelin, a substance that coats nerve fibers. The condition is characterized by lesions in the central nervous system, with symptoms commonly appearing between the ages of 20 and 40. Genetic and environmental factors, such as smoking, obesity, and exposure to UVB light, have been suggested to increase the risk of developing MS. Female patients are twice as likely to be diagnosed with MS compared to male counterparts.
The researchers from the Università del Piemonte Orientale in Novaro, Italy analyzed data from the UK Biobank to investigate the potential connection between diet, lifestyle factors, and MS. This study cohort included over 500,000 residents of the UK aged 40-69 years. Participants reported their usual consumption of various food groups and alcohol through a food frequency questionnaire. Additional data on body mass index, smoking, physical activity, and other lifestyle factors were also considered. Over an average of 12 years of follow-up, 478 cases of MS were identified within the cohort, indicating a prevalence rate of 7.78 cases per 100,000 person-years.
The findings of the study revealed that individuals with lifestyle factors such as smoking, vitamin D deficiency, and a history of Epstein-Barr virus infection had an increased risk of developing MS. Genetic determinants related to obesity and childhood obesity were also associated with a higher risk of MS. Participants who adhered to a Mediterranean diet pattern showed a decreased risk of MS onset, suggesting that a diet rich in plant-based foods and moderate fatty fish consumption may offer protection against the disease. The study authors noted that eating fatty fish once weekly appeared to be more protective than consuming it more frequently.
Registered dietitians not involved in the research study expressed both praise and concerns about the findings. They highlighted the strengths of using a comprehensive database like the UK Biobank but also noted limitations such as the lack of generalizability to diverse populations due to underrepresentation in the database. Concerns about recall bias and confounding factors were also raised, underscoring the need for further research to establish causality and understand the impact of specific dietary factors on MS risk. The researchers believe that their approach provides valuable insights into the role of complex dietary patterns in disease onset, paving the way for personalized dietary recommendations in MS prevention and management.
