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Acta clinica Croatica, Vol. 65. No. 2, 2026.

Original scientific paper

https://doi.org/10.20471/acc.2026.65.02.08

Adherence to the Mediterranean Diet and Its Association with Disability and Quality of Life in Subjects with Multiple Sclerosis: A Cross-Sectional Study

Nezihe Otay Lule ; Gaziantep University, Faculty of Health Sciences, Nutrition and Dietetics Department, Gaziantep, Turkey *
Zekiye Ipek Katirci Kirmaci ; Gaziantep Islam Science and Technology University, Faculty of Health Sciences, Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation, Gaziantep, Turkey
Yasemin Ekmekyapar Firat ; SANKO University School of Medicine, Neurology, Gaziantep, Turkey
Ayse Munife Neyal ; SANKO University School of Medicine, Neurology, Gaziantep, Turkey

* Corresponding author.

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Abstract

Nutritional habits are key environmental factors in multiple sclerosis (MS). This
study aimed to investigate the association between adherence to the Mediterranean
diet and disability, and quality of life in MS. A total of 103 people with
MS were included. Adherence to the Mediterranean diet was assessed with
the Mediterranean Diet Adherence Scale (MEDAS), disability with the Expanded
Disability Status Scale (EDSS), and quality of life with the Multiple Sclerosis
International Quality of Life Scale (MusiQoL). Secondary outcome measure was
walking ability (12-item MS Walking Scale (MSWS-12)). The mean age of study
subjects was 36.26±9.92 years. There was a negative correlation between MEDAS
and EDSS (p=0.025, r=-0.221) and positive correlation between MEDAS and
MusiQoL total score (p=0.044, r=0.199). Higher MEDAS scores were significantly
associated with lower EDSS scores (R²=0.362, 95% CI=-0.419 to -0.036, p=0.020)
and better walking ability (lower MSWS-12 scores) (R²=0.350, 95% CI=-0.399 to
-0.028, p=0.024). Additionally, a positive association was observed between MEDAS
and MusiQoL (R²=0.122, 95% CI=0.067-0.501, p=0.011). In conclusion, Mediterranean
diet may play a significant role in reducing disability and improving
quality of life.

Keywords

Multiple sclerosis; Mediterranean diet; Disability; Quality of life

Hrčak ID:

347693

URI

https://hrcak.srce.hr/347693

Publication date:

10.6.2026.

Article data in other languages: croatian

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