Factors associated with nutritional status and risk factors of metabolic disorders in persons with multiple sclerosis

Introduction
Nutritional status and metabolic health may affect the course of multiple sclerosis (MS), and they are key determinants of a patient’s physical ability and well-being.

Aim of the research
The aim of this study was to analyse factors related to the nutritional status and the occurrence of risk factors of metabolic disorders in persons with MS.

Material and methods
The disability status of MS patients (N = 115; 75.7% women) was assessed using the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS; 2.6 ±1.7 pts). The nutritional status was assessed based on anthropometric measurements and a body composition analysis performed using the bioelectrical impedance method. Physical activity (PA) was measured using an accelerometer. Furthermore, selected biochemical parameters of the blood serum were analysed.

Results
A higher percentage of time spent on light PA was associated with lower body mass index, waist to height ratio, adiposity indicators, and triglyceride (TG) concentrations, and with higher high-density lipoprotein (HDL)-cholesterol concentrations (p ≤ 0.05). A higher intake of fruits and vegetables was associated with lower anthropometric indicators of the nutritional status and adiposity indicators (p ≤ 0.05). A higher intake of red meat, cold cuts, and sausages showed a positive relationship with the value of the glucose concentration (p ≤ 0.05).

Conclusions
Our findings suggest that increasing physical activity should be the primary recommended strategy for counteracting excessive adiposity in persons with MS. Dietary habits also seem to be a significant modifiable determinant of the nutritional status and metabolic health in this group. Consequently, persons with MS should be provided with dietary counselling.