Effects of nutrition education given to persons with multiple sclerosis and their families on diet quality and anthropometric and biochemical measurements

Abstract

Objective: In this study, it was aimed to investigate the effects of nutrition education given to persons with multiple sclerosis and their families on anthropometric and biochemical measurements and diet quality. Methods: Data from 51 persons with multiple sclerosis were analysed in this intervention study. The study was conducted with 3 groups. The education group consisted of only persons with multiple sclerosis, the family education group consisted of persons with multiple sclerosis and a family member living with them, and the control group consisted of persons with multiple sclerosis who had not received an education. Anthropometric and biochemical measurements and dietary quality assessments were made before (T1) and immediately after education (T2) and also 3 months after education (follow-up, T3). Results: The distribution of family education group diet quality scores showed a significant increase from “poor” to “needs improvement” at T3 compared to T1. The upper middle arm circumference measurements of the female control group were decreased at T2 and T3 [from 29.0 (23-34) cm to 28.0 (22-31) cm and to 27.5 (22-31) cm]. Women in family education group, levels of serum haemoglobin and haematocrit were higher than in control group at T2 and T3. Also, men in family education group, levels of alanine aminotransferase were lower than those in education group at follow up. Levels of total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol in education group were higher than those control group at T1, T2, and T3. Conclusion: This study indicates that nutrition education affects some biochemical and anthropometric measurements in persons with multiple sclerosis. Diet quality improved when receiving education together with families.

Dietary Modification Combined with Nutrition Education and Counseling for Metabolic Comorbidities in Multiple Sclerosis: Implications for Clinical Practice and Research

“…In addition, several serum metabolic biomarkers significantly decreased in the intervention group compared to the control; these biomarkers included total cholesterol ( p = 0.027), low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol ( p = 0.031), and fasting insulin levels ( p = 0.0068). However, an inconsistent result was found in another intervention [ 44 ], where 40 mins of nutrition education once per month for 3 months, teaching 34 people with MS about a healthy diet and practical strategies to purchase, prepare, and cook food did not result in changes to BMI or WC, although the quality of the diet did improve, as assessed by the Healthy Eating Index (HEI)-2010.…”

“…One intervention was informed by motivational interviewing techniques to support patient-centered care [ 38 ]. Other techniques utilized were goal setting and creating action plans [ 38 , 40 ••], problem-solving strategies [ 40 ••], social environment support [ 39 ••, 44 ], addressing food preparation and cooking [ 38 , 39 ••, 44 ], and providing practical dietary resources [ 38 , 39 ••, 40 ••, 44 ]. Self-monitoring to encourage individuals to regularly track their dietary changes were also employed in the interventions [ 38 , 39 ••, 40 ••].…”