Contributions
Abstract: P1311
Type: Poster
Abstract Category: Therapy - symptomatic - Quality of life
Background: Dietary factors have been discussed to influence risk or disease course of multiple sclerosis (MS). While there is no conclusive evidence on the best dietary interventions for MS, multiple specific diets and dietary supplements are used among people with MS. However, nutrition is an often overlooked topic for physicians and how much people newly diagnosed with MS are concerned about the impact of nutrition has not been studied.
Objective: To assess whether nutrition is a concern for individuals recently diagnosed with multiple sclerosis.
Design/Methods: A cohort of 100 individuals with MS is followed in our center longitudinally starting at the time of diagnosis. Questionnaires assessing different psychological domains were administered at 1, 2, 3, 6, 9, and 12 months following the diagnosis of MS. We assessed their dietary practices including use of supplements and their attitudes towards nutrition with a questionnaire with open and closed ended items.
Results: In our cohort which consisted of predominately patients with relapsing-remitting disease, 83% of individuals queried reported having started a new supplement since receiving the diagnosis of MS, in particular Vitamin D supplementation. The type of supplements used changed somewhat throughout the course of the study and included supplements like turmeric, magnesium, and biotin at later time points. A large percentage expressed an interest in changing their diet throughout the time points studied. The most common diets followed were paleo diet, gluten-free diet and sugar free diet. A significant proportion of participants expressed interest in discussing their nutrition further and indicated planning to talk to a provider about their diet. Naturopathic doctors were most often mentioned as the providers patients sought advice from.
Conclusions: Nutrition is of great concern for individuals with multiple sclerosis even early in their disease. The evidence for individual dietary interventions is very limited and more studies assessing the effect of diet and supplements on the course of MS as well as quality of life and MS symptoms is needed. When treating patients with MS, addressing nutrition and supplements is important even early on in the disease.
Disclosure: Gloria von Geldern: nothing to disclose.
Annette Wundes: nothing to disclose.
This investigation was supported by a grant from the National Multiple Sclerosis Society awarded to Dr. Alschuler.
Abstract: P1311
Type: Poster
Abstract Category: Therapy - symptomatic - Quality of life
Background: Dietary factors have been discussed to influence risk or disease course of multiple sclerosis (MS). While there is no conclusive evidence on the best dietary interventions for MS, multiple specific diets and dietary supplements are used among people with MS. However, nutrition is an often overlooked topic for physicians and how much people newly diagnosed with MS are concerned about the impact of nutrition has not been studied.
Objective: To assess whether nutrition is a concern for individuals recently diagnosed with multiple sclerosis.
Design/Methods: A cohort of 100 individuals with MS is followed in our center longitudinally starting at the time of diagnosis. Questionnaires assessing different psychological domains were administered at 1, 2, 3, 6, 9, and 12 months following the diagnosis of MS. We assessed their dietary practices including use of supplements and their attitudes towards nutrition with a questionnaire with open and closed ended items.
Results: In our cohort which consisted of predominately patients with relapsing-remitting disease, 83% of individuals queried reported having started a new supplement since receiving the diagnosis of MS, in particular Vitamin D supplementation. The type of supplements used changed somewhat throughout the course of the study and included supplements like turmeric, magnesium, and biotin at later time points. A large percentage expressed an interest in changing their diet throughout the time points studied. The most common diets followed were paleo diet, gluten-free diet and sugar free diet. A significant proportion of participants expressed interest in discussing their nutrition further and indicated planning to talk to a provider about their diet. Naturopathic doctors were most often mentioned as the providers patients sought advice from.
Conclusions: Nutrition is of great concern for individuals with multiple sclerosis even early in their disease. The evidence for individual dietary interventions is very limited and more studies assessing the effect of diet and supplements on the course of MS as well as quality of life and MS symptoms is needed. When treating patients with MS, addressing nutrition and supplements is important even early on in the disease.
Disclosure: Gloria von Geldern: nothing to disclose.
Annette Wundes: nothing to disclose.
This investigation was supported by a grant from the National Multiple Sclerosis Society awarded to Dr. Alschuler.