The impact of dietary interventions in psoriatic arthritis

Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) is a common form of inflammatory arthritis that affects people with psoriasis. Both psoriasis and PsA are associated with metabolic diseases including obesity, hypertension, hyperlipidaemia, diabetes mellitus, fatty liver disease, and cardiovascular disease including myocardial infarction. Dietary interventions for psoriatic disease have been of great interest, particularly among patients with PsA.

Herein, we review the evidence for dietary intervention in psoriatic arthritis. To date, weight loss among patients who are obese has the greatest evidence for benefit. We also examine the evidence for fasting, nutrient supplementation, and specific diets as adjunct therapeutic strategies.

While the data do not clearly support a single dietary intervention across the disease, weight loss among those who are obese results in improved PsA disease activity and physical function. Additional studies are needed to better understand the impact of diet on psoriatic arthritis.