An exploratory study of diet in childhood and young adulthood and adult-onset multiple sclerosis

There is little evidence on the role of diet in childhood/adolescence and multiple sclerosis (MS) in adulthood. The MS Sunshine Study recruited adults with recent-onset MS (n = 602) and matched controls (n = 653). Of these, 84% provided dietary recall for specific ages between childhood and young adulthood (6-10, 11-15 and 16-20 years). We used logistic regression to test associations between age-specific diet and case-control status. Consumption of fruit (all ages), yoghurt (all ages) and legumes (11-15 years) was associated with lower probability of adult-onset MS (all p < 0.05). These results suggest that healthy dietary habits between childhood and young adulthood may reduce MS risk.

Automated summary

The study found that developing healthy dietary habits from childhood to adolescence may help reduce the risk of adult-onset MS.