Adherence to the Mediterranean Diet and Its Association with Disability and Quality of Life in Subjects with Multiple Sclerosis: A Cross-Sectional Study

Nutritional habits are key environmental factors in multiple sclerosis (MS). This study aimed to investigate the association between adherence to the Mediterranean diet and disability, and quality of life in MS. A total of 103 people with MS were included. Adherence to the Mediterranean diet was assessed with the Mediterranean Diet Adherence Scale (MEDAS), disability with the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS), and quality of life with the Multiple Sclerosis International Quality of Life Scale (MusiQoL). Secondary outcome measure was walking ability (12-item MS Walking Scale (MSWS-12)). The mean age of study subjects was 36.26±9.92 years. There was a negative correlation between MEDAS and EDSS (p=0.025, r=-0.221) and positive correlation between MEDAS and MusiQoL total score (p=0.044, r=0.199). Higher MEDAS scores were significantly associated with lower EDSS scores (R²=0.362, 95% CI=-0.419 to -0.036, p=0.020) and better walking ability (lower MSWS-12 scores) (R²=0.350, 95% CI=-0.399 to -0.028, p=0.024). Additionally, a positive association was observed between MEDAS and MusiQoL (R²=0.122, 95% CI=0.067-0.501, p=0.011). In conclusion, Mediterranean diet may play a significant role in reducing disability and improving quality of life.