Dietary Supplementation in Iranian Multiple Sclerosis Patients

The aim of this study was to determine prevalence of dietary supplements consumed by MS patients. This was a descriptive study conducted on 108 MS patients randomly selected from Iranian MS society in Tehran in 2005. Three questionnaires including personal information, disease information and supplement intake were filled out for each patient. Dosage of supplements, frequency, route of administration, regularity and the person who advised supplements were among questions. Then amount of vitamins, minerals and other nutrients ingested through supplements was calculated for each patient. Data was analyzed by SPSS software and student`s t-test was used to compare dosage of nutrients with reference values. 93.5% of patients were using dietary supplements and on average each patient was consuming 3.8 types of supplements. Only 31% of the patients were using the supplements regularly and 60% of supplements used were recommended by physicians. Over-consumption of two supplements; thiamin and vitamin E, in over half of the patients were observed. Consumption of vitamins A and D, as well as iron in some patients had reached toxic levels. Frequency of supplement intake in the Iranian MS patients is higher compared to other studies. Considering large number and high dosage of trace elements ingested, it seems prescribing vitamin and mineral supplements in MS patients should be more accurately monitored. Supplementation should be based on the patients` need and amount of trace elements in food to avoid under-or over-consumption.