Nutritional status and anthropometric measurements of patients with multiple sclerosis.

Objective: To determine the nutritional status and anthropometric measurements of patients with multiple sclerosis (MS).

Methods: This research was conducted on 37 (15 men, 22 women) new diagnosed MS patients who applied to Ankara Numune Education and Research Hospital, Ankara Turkey, from June to August 2011. The nutritional status of patients was determined by a 3-day and 24-hour dietary record and a food frequency questionnaire. Body composition was analyzed by bioelectrical impedance analyzer, and body mass index was calculated. The Nutrient Data Base (BEBIS) program was used to evaluate the energy and nutrient intakes of patients and compared with Dietary Reference Intakes recommendations. Blood samples were collected and serum glucose, lipid profiles, total protein, albumin, total calcium, magnesium, vitamin B12, and vitamin D levels were analyzed.

Results: Approximately 5.4% of patients were underweight, 54.1% were normal weight, 24.3% were overweight and 16.2% were obese. Daily mean energy intakes were 2730+/-840.97 kcal in men and 1967+/-647.24 kcal in women. The percentage of the carbohydrates was 46.9%, proteins was 14.6%, and fats of the total energy was 38.4%. Approximately 16.7% of the patients' serum vitamin D, and 6.7% of the patients' serum vitamin B12 levels were below than the reference ranges.

Conclusion: Multiple sclerosis patients have high body mass index values and poor nutritional status. It was verified that life style modification with adequate and balanced nutritional habits is very important in MS patients.