ARCHONTIA VASILOPOULOU

Mrs. ARCHONTIA VASILOPOULOU

Head of Department of Nutrition of General Hospital "G.Gennimatas" of Thessaloniki

Research Focus & Metrics

Academic Career Length

5Years (2022-Present)

(Calculated once Scilit publication data is synced: current year − year of first publication + 1)

Representative Publications

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5 February 2022 in Dietetics
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
PPPanos Papandreou
Panos Papandreou
AGAristea Gioxari
Aristea Gioxari
EDEfstratia Daskalou
Efstratia Daskalou
AVARCHONTIA VASILOPOULOU
ARCHONTIA VASILOPOULOU
MSMaria Skouroliakou
Maria Skouroliakou
Background: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic immune-mediated central nervous system disorder that affects females twice as often as males. MS patients show increased susceptibility to obesity and related cardiometabolic disorders, while diet may influence disease course. In the present randomized controlled study, we aimed to increase Mediterranean Diet (MedDiet) adherence in MS women and improve their nutritional status. Methods: Adult women with relapsing-remitting MS (n = 40) were randomly allocated to intervention (n = 20) or control group (n = 20). Individual dietary plans based on MedDiet together with nutritional consultation were provided to the intervention group. Controls received general lifestyle advice according to “National Dietary Guidelines”. Medical history, anthropometry, dietary records, and blood withdrawal were performed at baseline and at 3 months. Results: Compared to controls, the intervention group demonstrated greater MedDiet adherence (p < 0.001), which was negatively associated with cholesterol intake levels (p < 0.05). At 3 months, women following MedDiet had ameliorated body weight and body composition compared to baseline (p < 0.001). Serum 1,25(OH)2D was significantly higher in both study groups at 3 months (p < 0.001), but in the intervention group, the mean increment was twofold compared to controls (p < 0.001). Conclusion: Personalized nutritional intervention in MS patients may improve MedDiet adherence and nutritional status towards cardioprotective health outcomes.