Higher Dietary Acid Load Might Be a Potent Derivative Factor for Multiple Sclerosis: The Results from a Case–Control Study

Abstract

This study aimed to investigate the association between dietary acid load (DAL) and multiple sclerosis (MS), through the potential renal acid load (PRAL) and net endogenous acid production (NEAP) scores. In a hospital-based case–control study of 109 patients with MS and 130 healthy individuals, a validated 168-item semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire and a logistic regression model were used to evaluate the association between the DAL and MS. After adjusting for age (years), gender (male/female), body mass index (Kg/m2), and total calories (Kcal), the MS odds were 92% lower for those in the highest tertile of total plant-based protein (OR: 0.08, 95%CI: 0.03, 0.23; p-value < 0.001) and about four times higher for those in the highest tertile of the PRAL (OR: 4.16, 95%CI: 1.94, 8.91; p-value < 0.001) and NEAP scores (OR: 3.57, 95%CI: 1.69, 7.53; p-value < 0.001), compared to those in the lowest tertile. After further adjusting for sodium, saturated fatty acid, and fiber intake, the results remained significant for total plant-based protein intake (OR: 0.07, 95%CI: 0.01, 0.38; p-value = 0.002). In conclusion, a higher NEAP or PRAL score may be associated with increased odds of MS, while a higher intake of plant-based protein instead of animal-based protein may be protective.

Association Between the Risk of Multiple Sclerosis and Dietary Proinflammatory/Anti-Inflammatory Food Intake and Dietary Diversity: A Case-Control Study

“…According to Keykhaei et al, [ 2 ] consuming a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, salads, stews, bread, and low-fat dairy can lower the risk of MS. Additionally, Saeedirad et al [ 23 ] found that a higher intake of plant-based protein can reduce the risk of MS. In contrast, food items with high levels of saturated fatty acids were linked to a greater risk of MS than those rich in fiber.…”

Dietary acid load as well as dietary phytochemical index, and association with multiple sclerosis: results from a case–control study

“…Phytochemicals possess potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that may counteract the oxidative stress and chronic inflammation central to MS pathogenesis [ 10 , 15 , 16 ]. Conversely, a diet high in acid-promoting animal protein sources and low in alkaline plant foods may contribute to a state of low-grade metabolic acidosis, which can promote inflammation, insulin resistance, and other metabolic disturbances implicated in the development and progression of MS [ 11 , 12 , 17 – 20 ].…”