title: Eating patterns in women with multiple sclerosis.
abstract: For persons with multiple sclerosis (MS), good nutrition has the potential to enhance quality of life and reduce the risk of lifestyle diseases and secondary conditions. The purpose of this study was to describe nutritional intake of women with MS and to determine what factors influenced their intake. Based on 3-day food diary data, participants had an inadequate intake (< 10% lower than recommended) of carbohydrates, dietary fiber, vitamin E, calcium and zinc. In contrast, they consumed saturated fat, protein, vitamin A, vitamin C, folate and iron at higher levels than recommended. Age was significantly related to nutritional intake with older women consuming fewer calories, total fat and saturated fat. Despite evidence supporting the importance of following recommended nutritional guidelines, nutritional intake for participants in this study was not optimum in many important areas. This study supports the need for interventions to promote good nutrition among persons with MS.
authors.affiliation: University of Texas at Austin, School of Nursing 78701, USA.
authors.forename: G M
authors.initials: GM
authors.lastname: Timmerman
authors.forename: A K
authors.initials: AK
authors.lastname: Stuifbergin
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000855:Anorexia / Q000523:psychology; D003863:Depression / Q000209:etiology; D015930:Diet Records; D002149:Energy Intake; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D009103:Multiple Sclerosis / Q000178:diet therapy* / Q000523:psychology*; D009748:Nutrition Disorders / Q000209:etiology*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011788:Quality of Life; D012494:Sampling Studies; D020377:Self Efficacy; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D012944:Social Support