Mediterranean Diet Suppresses Disease Activity in Rheumatoid Arthritis
NEW YORK (Reuters Health) Feb 19 - Switching from a typical western
diet to a traditional Mediterranean (MD) diet reduces pain and
inflammation associated with rheumatoid arthritis within 12 weeks,
Swedish researchers report in the March issue of the Annals of
Rheumatic Diseases.
Dr. L. Hagfors, of Ume University, and associates designed a diet plan
characterized by a high consumption of fruit, vegetables, cereals and
legumes. This diet also contains less red meat and more fish than
usually consumed by westerners. The investigators slightly modified
the diet by permitting patients to use canola oil in addition to olive
oil and by substituting green or black tea for wine, both of which are
high in polyphenols.
Twenty-six patients were randomly assigned the new diet, while 25
patients served as controls. Disease duration was at least 2 years and
disease activity score 28 (DAS28) ranged between 2.19 and 7.00 of a
possible 10.
After 3 weeks, results for the two groups did not differ. By the end
of the 12-week study period, however, MD diet subjects showed
significant improvements in three of four primary efficacy variables.
DAS28 dropped on average by 0.56, Health Assessment Questionnaire had
declined, and the vitality and mental health dimension of the SF-36
Health Survey had improved. Only the use of nonsteroidal
antiinflammatory use was unaffected.
Furthermore, the number of swollen and tender joints and pain scores
significantly decreased, as did C reactive protein levels and
thrombocyte counts.
In contrast, the overall findings remained stable during the course of
the trial among patients in the control group.
"Even a minor effect that is persistent and accumulates over time
might become important," Dr. Hagfors' team points out. The group
intends to conduct a 1-year follow-up study.
Ann Rheumatic Dis 2003;62:208-214.
Who loves ya.
Tom
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