ABSTRACT This study analyzed the profile of scientific production related to the nutritional aspects of the etiology and/or progress of Multiple Sclerosis (MS). We conducted an integrative review that analyzed 64 works published in English, Spanish or Portuguese between 2012 and 2017 on the relationship between nutrition and MS. There was a predominance of studies in humans (54.0%, n= 34) and randomized clinical trials (38.3%, n= 13). The association between vitamin D and etiology progression and/or development of disabilities resulting from MS was the most studied aspect (30.2%, n= 19), followed by studies that evaluated the importance of fat concentration and/or types for MS risk (22.2%, n= 14), and research that analyzed the role of antioxidant vitamins (19.0%; n= 12) in the disease development and/ or evolution. The study showed that most research involves small samples and that a healthy diet contributes to the prevention and mitigation of disease evolution. However, this affirmation cannot be made with regards to dietary supplements. Further research is necessary, from cross-sectional studies to randomized clinical trials considering the wide knowledge gap on this subject.

RESUMEN El presente estudio buscó plantear el perfil de las producciones científicas que relacionan aspectos nutricionales con la etiología y/o progresión de la Esclerosis Múltiple (EM). Fue una revisión integrativa que analizó 63 trabajos publicados en el idioma inglés, español y portugués, entre 2012 a 2017, sobre la relación entre los aspectos nutricionales y la EM. Predominaron estudios con seres humanos (54,0%, n= 34), del tipo ensayo clínico randomizado (38,3%, n= 13). La asociación de la vitamina D con la etiología, progresión y/o desarrollo de incapacidades consecuentes de la EM fue la más estudiada (30,2%, n= 19), seguida de los estudios que evaluaron la importancia de la concentración y/o de los tipos de gordura para el riesgo o progresión de la EM (22,2%, n= 14), y de estudios que analizaron el papel de las vitaminas antioxidantes (19,0%; n= 12) en el desencadenamiento y/o evolución de la enfermedad. La mayoría de los estudios incluyó muestras pequeñas y una dieta saludable que aporta con la prevención y atenuación de la evolución de la enfermedad. No se pueó hacer esta afirmación para los suplementos dietéticos. Son necesarios más estudios, dada la enorme laguna de conocimiento que envuelve el tema.

The objective was to determine the glycemic index and glycemic load of tropical fruits and the potential risk for chronic diseases. Nine fruits were investigated: coconut water (for the purpose of this study, coconut water was classified as a “fruit”), guava, tamarind, passion fruit, custard apple, hog plum, cashew, sapodilla, and soursop. The GI and GL were determined according to the Food and Agriculture Organization protocol. The GL was calculated taking into consideration intake recommendation guidelines; 77.8% of the fruits had low GI although significant oscillations were observed in some graphs, which may indicate potential risks of disease. Coconut water and custard apple had a moderate GI, and all fruits had low GL. The fruits evaluated are healthy and can be consumed following the daily recommended amount. However, caution is recommended with fruits causing early glycemic peak and the fruits with moderated GI (coconut water and custard apple).