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Rheumatoid arthritis treated with vegetarian diets
1Department of Immunology and Transfusion Medicine, Ullevaal University Hospital, Oslo, Norway. jens.kjeldsen-kragh@ioks.uio.no
The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition
|September 9, 1999
Summary
Fasting and vegetarian diets significantly improved rheumatoid arthritis (RA) symptoms and lab markers in a controlled trial. These dietary interventions may offer a valuable complementary treatment for RA patients.
Area of Science:
- Rheumatology
- Nutritional Science
- Gastroenterology
Background:
- Dietary factors influencing rheumatoid arthritis (RA) have been suggested but lacked robust scientific evidence.
- Previous research on diet's impact on RA has been limited, necessitating controlled studies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of a specific dietary regimen, including fasting and vegetarian diets, on patients with rheumatoid arthritis.
- To assess the long-term impact of dietary interventions on RA clinical and laboratory variables.
Main Methods:
- A controlled, single-blind trial involving 53 patients with RA.
- Intervention group: 7-10 day fast, followed by a 3.5-month gluten-free vegan diet, then a 9-month lactovegetarian diet.
- Control group: Continued usual omnivorous diet.
Main Results:
- Significant improvements in clinical and laboratory variables for the intervention group compared to the control group.
- Sustained and enhanced benefits observed in diet responders one year post-trial.
- Fecal flora composition significantly correlated with clinical improvement levels.
Conclusions:
- A fasting period followed by a vegetarian diet can significantly benefit some patients with rheumatoid arthritis.
- Dietary interventions, including fasting and vegetarianism, may serve as a valuable adjunct therapy for managing RA.
- Changes in fecal microbiota are associated with the therapeutic effects of dietary interventions in RA.