title: Dietary fat in the epidemiology of multiple sclerosis: has the situation been adequately assessed?
abstract: Epidemiological studies have demonstrated that environmental influences contribute to determining the risk of multiple sclerosis (MS). The nature of this influence has not been established, although infectious agents have received the most attention with relative neglect of alternative hypotheses. This paper critically reviews the evidence implicating dietary fat in altering susceptibility to MS. It is concluded that a dietary theory accords with current knowledge regarding MS as well as an infective theory and thus should not be dismissed in research examining the aetiology of MS.
authors.affiliation: Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, University College, London, UK.
authors.forename: Y
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Ben-Shlomo
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Davey Smith
authors.forename: M G
authors.initials: MG
authors.lastname: Marmot
mesh_terms: D016022:Case-Control Studies; D003431:Cross-Cultural Comparison; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D004041:Dietary Fats / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects*; D005060:Europe / Q000453:epidemiology; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D009103:Multiple Sclerosis / Q000178:diet therapy / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology*; D009460:Neurologic Examination
chemical_list: D004041:Dietary Fats