Clinical Research Directory

Nutrition in Rheumatoid Arthritis

Sponsor: Vastra Gotaland Region

Summary

Background: Individuals with Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) often experience persistent symptoms such as pain and stiffness despite modern pharmacological treatments. They also have an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. Elevated risk factors for cardiovascular disease limit the options for some symptom-relieving medications, making a reduction in these risk factors highly desirable. Diet has been shown to reduce several of these factors, but the scientific evidence for rheumatoid arthritis is limited, and thus tailored dietary advice is lacking. Objective: The purpose of the NUTRA study is to evaluate the effect of a diet that follows the updated Nordic Nutrition Recommendations (2023) on disease activity and cardiovascular risk factors in individuals with diagnosed RA. Specifically, the study will analyze the impact of the diet on clinically relevant markers such as blood pressure, lipid profile, inflammatory markers, and body composition. Study Plan: The study will include about 120 patients, and participants will be randomized into either an immediate 3-month diet intervention following the Nordic Nutrition recommendations or a waitinglist control group, that will start with the diet intervention after three months. The intervention diet, will be added as a complementary treatment to the medications the patients are already taking. Participants will receive menus, recipes and some foods for three months, followed by self-maintenance of the diet. Clinical markers will be evaluated before and after the intervention/control periods and six months after ending their intervention period. Primary outcome is ApoB. The NUTRA study aims to generate evidence to guide the design of dietary interventions for patients with rheumatoid arthritis. By understanding the potential role of diet in reducing both disease activity and cardiovascular risk, the study may contribute to improved treatment strategies for this challenging patient group.

Official title: NUTRA- Nutrition in Rheumatoid Arthritis

Key Details

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