title: Association Between Dietary Intake and Function in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  There is growing interest in the role of nutrition in the pathogenesis and progression of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To evaluate the associations between nutrients, individually and in groups, and ALS function and respiratory function at diagnosis.
  
  
  METHODS
  A cross-sectional baseline analysis of the Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Multicenter Cohort Study of Oxidative Stress study was conducted from March 14, 2008, to February 27, 2013, at 16 ALS clinics throughout the United States among 302 patients with ALS symptom duration of 18 months or less.
  
  
  METHODS
  Nutrient intake, measured using a modified Block Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ).
  
  
  METHODS
  Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis function, measured using the ALS Functional Rating Scale-Revised (ALSFRS-R), and respiratory function, measured using percentage of predicted forced vital capacity (FVC).
  
  
  RESULTS
  Baseline data were available on 302 patients with ALS (median age, 63.2 years [interquartile range, 55.5-68.0 years]; 178 men and 124 women). Regression analysis of nutrients found that higher intakes of antioxidants and carotenes from vegetables were associated with higher ALSFRS-R scores or percentage FVC. Empirically weighted indices using the weighted quantile sum regression method of "good" micronutrients and "good" food groups were positively associated with ALSFRS-R scores (β [SE], 2.7 [0.69] and 2.9 [0.9], respectively) and percentage FVC (β [SE], 12.1 [2.8] and 11.5 [3.4], respectively) (all P < .001). Positive and significant associations with ALSFRS-R scores (β [SE], 1.5 [0.61]; P = .02) and percentage FVC (β [SE], 5.2 [2.2]; P = .02) for selected vitamins were found in exploratory analyses.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Antioxidants, carotenes, fruits, and vegetables were associated with higher ALS function at baseline by regression of nutrient indices and weighted quantile sum regression analysis. We also demonstrated the usefulness of the weighted quantile sum regression method in the evaluation of diet. Those responsible for nutritional care of the patient with ALS should consider promoting fruit and vegetable intake since they are high in antioxidants and carotenes.
authors: Department of Epidemiology, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, New York2Clinical Research Center, Helen Hayes Hospital, West Haverstraw, New York.
authors: Jeri W
authors: JW
authors: Nieves
authors: Department of Preventive Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York.
authors: Chris
authors: C
authors: Gennings
authors: Department of Epidemiology, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, New York.
authors: Pam
authors: P
authors: Factor-Litvak
authors: Department of Neurology, Columbia University, New York, New York.
authors: Jonathan
authors: J
authors: Hupf
authors: Department of Neurology, Columbia University, New York, New York.
authors: Jessica
authors: J
authors: Singleton
authors: Department of Neurology, Columbia University, New York, New York.
authors: Valerie
authors: V
authors: Sharf
authors: Department of Neurology, University of California-Davis, Sacramento.
authors: Björn
authors: B
authors: Oskarsson
authors: Department of Neurological Sciences, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha.
authors: J Americo M
authors: JA
authors: Fernandes Filho
authors: Department of Neurology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota.
authors: Eric J
authors: EJ
authors: Sorenson
authors: Neurological Institute, Catania, Italy.
authors: Emanuele
authors: E
authors: D'Amico
authors: Department of Psychiatry, New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York.
authors: Ray
authors: R
authors: Goetz
authors: Department of Neurology, Columbia University, New York, New York.
authors: Hiroshi
authors: H
authors: Mitsumoto
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000690:Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis / Q000178:diet therapy*; D000975:Antioxidants; D002338:Carotenoids; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D004032:Diet; D005260:Female; D005502:Food; D005638:Fruit; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D014675:Vegetables
chemical_list: D000975:Antioxidants; D002338:Carotenoids