Effects of a very low-fat, vegan diet in subjects with rheumatoid arthritis.
Study Goal
The researchers aimed to determine the effects of a very low-fat, vegan diet on rheumatoid arthritis (RA) symptomatology in patients with moderate-to-severe RA.
Results Summary
The study found significant reductions in RA symptoms, fat, protein, and energy intake, along with increased carbohydrate intake. Weight decreased significantly, but inflammatory markers like C-reactive protein and RA factor showed non-significant reductions.
Population
24 free-living subjects with rheumatoid arthritis, average age 56 ± 11 years.
Effective Dosage
Approximately 10% fat vegan diet.
Duration
4 weeks.
Interactions
None mentioned.
| Intervention | Direction | Endpoint | Population | Dosage | Impact | Claim # |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
very low-fat, vegan diet | decrease | fat intake | 24 free-living subjects with RA | 69% | significant decreases | #1 |
very low-fat, vegan diet | decrease | protein intake | 24 free-living subjects with RA | 24% | significant decreases | #2 |
very low-fat, vegan diet | decrease | energy intake | 24 free-living subjects with RA | 22% | significant decreases | #3 |
very low-fat, vegan diet | increase | carbohydrate intake | 24 free-living subjects with RA | 55% | significant increase | #4 |
very low-fat, vegan diet | decrease | all measures of RA symptomatology | 24 free-living subjects with RA | - | decreased significantly | #5 |
very low-fat, vegan diet | decrease | weight | 24 free-living subjects with RA | - | decreased significantly | #6 |
very low-fat, vegan diet | decrease | C-reactive protein | 24 free-living subjects with RA | 16% | decreased | #7 |
very low-fat, vegan diet | decrease | RA factor | 24 free-living subjects with RA | 10% | decreased | #8 |
very low-fat, vegan diet | no change | erythrocyte sedimentation rate | 24 free-living subjects with RA | - | was unchanged | #9 |
very low-fat, vegan diet | decrease | RA symptoms | patients with moderate-to-severe RA | - | can experience significant reductions | #10 |
OBJECTIVE: To demonstrate the effects of a very low-fat, vegan diet on patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). DESIGN: Single-blind dietary intervention study. SUBJECTS AND STUDY INTERVENTIONS: This study evaluated the influence of a 4-week, very low-fat (approximately 10%), vegan diet on 24 free-living subjects with RA, average age, 56 +/- 11 years old. OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS: Prestudy and poststudy assessment of RA symptomatology was performed by a rheumatologist blind to the study design. Biochemical measures and 4-day diet data were also collected. Subjects met weekly for diet instruction, compliance monitoring, and progress assessments. RESULTS: There were significant (p < 0.001) decreases in fat (69%), protein (24%), and energy (22%), and a significant increase in carbohydrate (55%) intake. All measures of RA symptomatology decreased significantly (p < 0.05), except for duration of morning stiffness (p > 0.05). Weight also decreased significantly (p < 0.001). At 4 weeks, C-reactive protein decreased 16% (ns, p > 0.05), RA factor decreased 10% (ns, p > 0.05), while erythrocyte sedimentation rate was unchanged (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: This study showed that patients with moderate-to-severe RA, who switch to a very low-fat, vegan diet can experience significant reductions in RA symptoms.