Patients with MS and dysphagia exhibit a high prevalence of overweight, inadequate dietary intake, and taste alterations, highlighting the need for comprehensive, multidisciplinary interventions involving speech therapy and nutritional support.
Key Findings
Results
The majority of MS patients in this study presented with overweight or obesity.
66.7% of patients presented with overweight or obesity
Median BMI was 28.1 kg/m²
Sample included 14 MS patients (7 women, 7 men; median age 46.9 ± 13.5 years) from Granada
Body composition was assessed using bioelectrical impedance analysis (TANITA)
Results
The prevalence of mixed dysphagia was high among MS patients, with a significant difference by disease duration for mixed dysphagia specifically.
71.4% of patients presented with mixed dysphagia
No significant differences in dysphagia prevalence were found according to disease duration overall, except for mixed dysphagia (p = 0.018)
Dysphagia risk was evaluated using the Yale Swallow protocol, TWST, and TOMASS protocols
Results
More than 70% of MS patients had insufficient intake of energy, fibre, and key micronutrients.
Over 70% of patients had insufficient intake of energy, fibre, and micronutrients
Specific micronutrient deficiencies identified included calcium, iron, potassium, and magnesium
Dietary intake was recorded over 3 days using 24-hour recall and a food frequency questionnaire (FFQ)
Data were processed with Dietowin® software
Results
Taste alterations were observed in the majority of MS patients, with sweetness perception most commonly affected.
57.1% of patients experienced taste alterations overall
78.6% of patients showed impaired perception of sweetness specifically
Basic taste perception was examined as part of the study protocol
Sample size was 14 MS patients
Methods
This was a pilot descriptive-analytical study of a small MS patient cohort in Granada assessing anthropometry, dysphagia, dietary intake, and taste perception.
Study included 14 MS patients (7 women, 7 men)
Median age was 46.9 ± 13.5 years
Anthropometry and body composition were assessed alongside dysphagia screening and taste evaluation
Multiple validated tools were used including the Yale Swallow protocol, TWST, and TOMASS protocols
Franchina-Vergel N, Molina-López J, Planells E. (2026). Nutritional status and taste impairment in adult patients with multiple sclerosis and dysphagia. A pilot study.. Multiple sclerosis and related disorders. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.msard.2025.106909