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Review
. 2024 Aug;44(8):1409-1419.
doi: 10.1007/s00296-024-05541-4. Epub 2024 Feb 20.

Re-evaluation of dietary interventions in rheumatoid arthritis: can we improve patient conversations around food choices?

Prakriti Sharma  1 , Shannon Brown  2 , Elke M Sokoya  3
Affiliations
Review

Re-evaluation of dietary interventions in rheumatoid arthritis: can we improve patient conversations around food choices?

Prakriti Sharma et al. Rheumatol Int. 2024 Aug.

Abstract

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is one of over 100 different types of autoimmune conditions. In RA, the cells of the immune system attack the tissue lining the joints, triggering inflammation. A large body of research suggests that the underlying trigger(s) of RA are unique to an individual. For example, increased risk of RA can be driven by smoking tobacco in one individual and mercury exposure in another. Due to the development of next-generation sequencing technology, the critical role of the microbiota in shaping RA risk has been elucidated. Therefore, it is surprising that diet, arguably the most important lever in shaping the gut microbiota, is ineffective in the treatment of RA, even in a sub-set of patients. To attempt to rationalise this apparent paradox, we conducted an umbrella review to address the question as to whether diet can affect outcomes in RA.

Keywords: Autoimmune; Diet; Fasting; Food sensitivity; Rheumatoid arthritis.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no conflict of interest.

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
PRISMA flowchart providing a detailed overview of the study selection process
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