Nutritional status and taste impairment in adult patients with multiple sclerosis and dysphagia. A pilot study

Abstract

Introduction: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic, inflammatory, autoimmune, and demyelinating disease of the central nervous system. Disease progression increases dysphagia, raising risks of malnutrition, dehydration, and respiratory complications, directly impacting nutrition management. Objectives: (I) To analyse the anthropometric profiles and body composition of adults with MS; (II) to determine the prevalence of dysphagia according to disease duration; (III) to examine dietary intake and eating habits; (IV) to identify potential alterations in taste perception. Methodology: A descriptive-analytical study included 14 MS patients (7 women, 7 men; median age 46.9 ± 13.5 years) from Granada. Anthropometry and body composition were assessed using bioelectrical impedance analysis (TANITA). Dysphagia risk was evaluated using the Yale Swallow protocol, TWST, and TOMASS protocols, and basic taste perception was examined. Dietary intake was recorded over 3-day (24-hour recall) and food frequency questionnaire (FFQ); data were processed with Dietowin® software. Results: A total of 66.7 % presented with overweight or obesity (median BMI 28.1 kg/m²). The prevalence of mixed dysphagia was 71.4 %, with no significant differences according to disease duration, except for mixed dysphagia (p = 0.018). Over 70 % of patients had insufficient intake of energy, fibre, and micronutrients (calcium, iron, potassium, magnesium). Taste alterations were observed in 57.1 % of patients, particularly in the perception of sweetness (78.6 %). Conclusions: Patients with MS and dysphagia exhibit a high prevalence of overweight, inadequate dietary intake, and taste alterations. These findings highlight the need for comprehensive, multidisciplinary interventions involving speech therapy and nutritional support, to optimise nutritional status and quality of life.