Anthropometric indices, nutrient intakes and health-related characteristics of patients with multiple sclerosis: a cross-sectional study

Background: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is accompanied by many health-related issues. This study aimed to evaluate the anthropometric indices, nutrient intakes and health-related characteristics of MS patients as well as their possible correlations. Methods: This cross-sectional study was performed on 283 MS patients in Shiraz, Iran, during 2018-2019. Body mass index (BMI) and body composition were measured for each participant. A food frequency questionnaire was used to determine the patients' nutrient intakes. The level of fatigue, disability and quality of life of the individuals were assessed by the modified fatigue impact scale (MFIS), the expanded disability status scale and the multiple sclerosis quality of life-54 questionnaires, respectively. Results: The results revealed that 43.11% of the patients were overweight or obese, and their % body fat (%BF) was 35.65 +/- 7.63. Besides, intakes of vitamins A, E, D, folic acid, calcium, zinc and magnesium were significantly lower than recommendations in both genders, and sodium intake was significantly higher than the tolerable upper intake level in females. A significant positive linear correlation was observed between MFIS and BMI (r = 0.12, P = 0.045). Significant positive correlations were also found between psychosocial subscale of MFIS and both of %BF (r = 0.12, P = 0.049) and visceral fat area (r = 0.14, P = 0.02). Unexpectedly, the patients' quality of life showed significant negative correlations with fat free mass and skeletal muscle mass. Conclusion: Being overweight, having a high %BF and poor nutrient intakes are common among MS patients. Improving the patients' lifestyle and dietary intake is recommended to reduce fatigue and increase their life quality.