The relationship between fruit and vegetable consumption and Multiple Sclerosis:A case - control study

Oxidative damage in Multiple Sclerosis occurs in a wide range. White matter is highly sensitive to damage from exposure to reactive oxygen species. Fruits and vegetables have antioxidant properties. There has been no research conducted to explore the relationship between fruit and vegetable intake and MS. This Case-Control study was conducted in Tehran city to investigate the relationship between fruit and vegetable consumption and Multiple Sclerosis.

68 cases and 140 controls underwent private interviews. Information regarding the usual dietary intake of each individual in the past year was collected by using the valid Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ). Multivariate logistic regression was used to estimate odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals

An inverse association between total fruits consumption and risk of Multiple Sclerosis was observed (OR=0.40, 95% CI: 0.22-0.75) but the result was not significant in multivariate model. After adjusting for the potential confounders and energy intake, total vegetables consumption tended to decrease the risk of Multiple Sclerosis (OR=0.34, 95% CI: 0.15-0.65). Within the group of fruits, a significant inverse association was observed for watermelon, raisin and cherry (P-value: <0.001). Within the group of vegetables, a significant inverse association was observed for tomato intake (p-value= 0.03). An inverse association between consumption of lettuce, onion and risk of Multiple Sclerosis was observed but the result was not significant in multivariate model.

Our results suggested that high consumption of fruits and vegetables might be associated with reduced risk of MS.