A Mediterranean-type diet improved systemic inflammation in multiple sclerosis patients, as compared to the traditional Iranian diet: A single-center randomized controlled trial

• Published in: Mediterranean Journal of nutrition and metabolism Vol. 14; no. 3; pp. 289 - 304
• Main Authors: Mirashrafi, Shahrzad, Borzoo-Isfahani, Mohammad, Namjoo, Iman, Hojjati Kermani, Mohammad Ali, Moravejolahkami, Amir Reza
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: London, England SAGE Publications 01.01.2021; IOS Press BV
• Subjects: Body fat; Body mass index; Body weight; C-reactive protein; Clinical trials; Diet; Inflammation; Multiple sclerosis; Multivariate analysis; Neurodegenerative diseases; hs-CRP, inflammation; Mediterranean diet; anthropometric; multiple sclerosis; relapse rate
• ISSN: 1973-798X; 1973-7998
• DOI: 10.3233/MNM-210557

BACKGROUND: There is overwhelming scientific evidence that dietary modifications is beneficial in neurodegenerative diseases like Multiple Sclerosis (MS). OBJECTIVE: The goal of this study was to explore the effects of modified Mediterranean Diet (mMeD) on systemic inflammation, anthropometric indices, and relapse rate in MS patients. METHODS: This single-center, randomized controlled trial compared mMeD and traditional Iranian diet (as control) during six months in 180 Relapsing-Remitting MS (RRMS) patients. Serum high sensitivity C Reactive Protein (hs-CRP), body weight, Body Mass Index (BMI), percent body fat, and relapse rate were evaluated at baseline, and 3 and 6 months later. Multivariate analysis of covariance test (MANCOVA; conducted by SPSS 24) was adjusted for age, gender, family history, duration of MS and education level. RESULTS: Of 261 screened patients (July 2018-February 2019), 180 patients were eligible; 68/90 as mMeD and 79/90 as control group completed the study. Self-reported adherence was excellent (95%). The mean change on the relapse rate was –0.54±0.9 compared to –0.03±0.4 for control group (P = 0.004). In addition, hs-CRP levels decreased in the mMeD group (–2.9±3.3 mg/L; P < 0.001) and mean changes were significant between two groups (P < 0.001). Anthropometric indices were modified in mMeD group, whereas between-group comparisons were not statistically different. CONCLUSIONS: Overall, mMeD improved inflammatory status and relapse rate in RRMS patients. Future trials with larger scale and longer duration should be conducted to confirm the role of diet as a disease-modifier in MS.