Food Insecurity in Patients with Multiple Sclerosis and Rheumatoid Arthritis
A study found that 65% of patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) experienced food insecurity (FI), compared to 37.5% of those with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) (p = 0.014). MS patients were more likely to report FI than those with RA (p = 0.028). Higher disability levels in MS patients were linked to increased FI (p = 0.019), and FI was associated with greater pain severity and interference.
- Tags
- #MSResearch
- Most relevant to
- —
- Human efficacy
- Not established from this source
- Mechanism
- Not reported
- Evidence strength
- Limited
- Outcome
- Not reported
Why it matters
These findings highlight a significant prevalence of FI among MS patients, suggesting a need for targeted support, especially as higher disability correlates with increased FI.
What this does not prove
The study only examined MS and RA patients, which may limit the generalizability of the findings. Additionally, the cross-sectional design does not allow for causal conclusions.
Next milestone
No next milestone was established from the available source.
Study facts
- Study design
- Case report
- Participants / samples
- 80 · basis not reported
- Randomised
- Not reported
- Controlled
- Not reported
- Primary endpoint met
- Not reported
- Relevant MS type
- All
- Publication date
- 2026-10-23
- Evidence reviewed
- Abstract only
- Regulatory approval
- Not reported
- Research areas
- Not classified
- Biological target
- Not reported
- Pathway
- Not reported
- Population
- Patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA)
- Size of effect
- Not reported
- Secondary endpoints
- Not reported
- MRI endpoints
- Not reported
- Biomarkers
- Not reported
- Safety
- Not reported
Original sources
- Primary evidenceFood insecurity and pain burden in patients with multiple sclerosis and rheumatoid arthritis: A comparative case-control study. ↗DOI: 10.1177/02601060261501247
Supporting passages (11)
peer reviewedPublication types: Journal Article
study designA comparative case-control design was adopted, including 40 patients with MS and 40 patients with RA.
subjectsPatients with multiple sclerosis (MS) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) have been reported to experience some degree of FI.
sample sizeincluding 40 patients with MS and 40 patients with RA.
relevant ms typesOverall, FI is prevalent among patients with MS and RA, with a greater prevalence observed in MS.
publication date2026-10-23
comparatorPatients with multiple sclerosis (MS) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) have been reported to experience some degree of FI.AimsTo assess and compare the prevalence of FI in patients with MS and RA and examine associations between FI, disease severity, disability, and pain.MethodsA comparative case-control design was adopted, including 40 patients with MS and 40 patients with RA.
primary endpointGroup comparisons were performed, and multivariable regression analyses were conducted to examine associations between FI, pain, disease activity, and demographic factors.SummaryFI was identified in 65% of patients with MS and 37.5% of those with RA (p = 0.014).
findingsIn pooled sample analyses, greater FI was independently associated with both pain severity (p = 0.027) and pain interference (p = 0.009).
populationPatients with multiple sclerosis (MS) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA)
limitationsTitle: Food insecurity and pain burden in patients with multiple sclerosis and rheumatoid arthritis: A comparative case-control study.
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