Effect of Mediterranean diet versus low caloric diet on rheumatoid arthritis disease activity

Abstract

Background: Rheumatoid arthritis Is a systemic connective tissue disease affecting predominantly joints. The disease develops in a course of autoimmune inflammatory process triggered by environmental factors in genetically predisposed person .One such environmental factors is the diet . A basic explanation of a low calorie diet is described as a diet that provides fewer than 1,200 calories per day. .Low calorie diets are known for getting individuals mind excited about losing the weight without the actual motivation to exercise. The Mediterranean diet is not a single prescribed diet, but rather a general foodbased eating pattern, which is marked by local and cultural differences throughout the Mediterranean region.Diet is generally characterized by a high intake of plant-based foods (e.g. fresh fruit and vegetables, nuts, and cereals) and olive oil. Also it is characterized by moderate intake of fish and poultry, and low intakes of dairy products (mostly yoghurt and cheese), red and processed meats, and sweets. Objectives: To assess the effect of Mediterranean diet versus low caloric diet on disease activity of rheumatoid arthritis Patient and methods: The present study included 30 patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis diagnosed according to 2010 ACR\EULAR criteria every patient is subjected to full clinical examination ;BMI DAS28, CDAI, laboratory investigations, ESR, CRP, CBC, lipid profile, ALT, AST and serum creatinine. Patients were randomly assigned into one of two groups ; group 1 included 15 patients who received low caloric diet and group 2 included 15 patients who received Mediterranean diet for 6 weeks to be reassessed at the end of study. Results: Both groups ;low caloric diet group and Mediterranean diet had significant improvement on BMI, number of tender joints, DAS and CDAI mHAQ, ESR CRP,TC p < 0.05 There was non significant change between both groups as regard previously mentioned parameters however regarding percent of change between both groups. There was significant difference regarding only BMI with more reduction in group 2 versus group 1 Conclusion: both regimens are effective in lowering RA activity. Both have positive impacts on quality of life of RA patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]