Food intake in multiple sclerosis.

The usual dietary intake of 142 people with multiple sclerosis (MS), from different areas of Great Britain, has been assessed using the 7-day weighed intake method. This sample represents those subjects who said they had not altered their diets since diagnosis, ie, one-third of those who originally joined the management programme. Despite the low energy intakes of the subjects, intakes of other nutrients were similar to values of the general British population. The relationship of disability to energy and nutrient intake was studied. The relevance of dietary fatty acid intakes in MS is discussed with reference to epidemiological data and regional variations. The possibility that people with MS have specific requirements is considered and the need for nutritional guidance in MS is stressed.