Multiple sclerosis, latitude and dietary fat: is pork the missing link?
The relationship between prevalence rates of multiple sclerosis (MS) in several countries and the corresponding per capita consumption of fat, beef and pork was investigated. A significant correlation was obtained between prevalence of multiple sclerosis and fat intake (r = 0.63, p less than 0.01), total meat intake (r = 0.61, p less than 0.01) and pork consumption (r = 0.87, p less than 0.001). There was no significant correlation with beef consumption. The mechanism by which pork intake may increase the risk of developing MS is unknown and deserves further study.
D000818:Animals; D002417:Cattle; D004041:Dietary Fats / Q000009:adverse effects*; D006801:Humans; D019787:Linoleic Acid; D008041:Linoleic Acids / Q000032:analysis; D008460:Meat / Q000032:analysis; D009103:Multiple Sclerosis / Q000209:etiology*; D013552:Swine
D004041:Dietary Fats; D008041:Linoleic Acids; D019787:Linoleic Acid