Do Interventions with Diet or Dietary Supplements Reduce the Disease Activity Score in Rheumatoid Arthritis? A Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials

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#adult #anti-inflammatory-agents #antioxidants #arthritis-rheumatoid #diet

Do Interventions with Diet or Dietary Supplements Reduce the Disease Activity Score in Rheumatoid Arthritis? A Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials

Nelson et al., 2020 | Nutrients | Systematic Review

Citation

Nelson Josefine, Sjöblom Helen, ... Bärebring Linnea. Do Interventions with Diet or Dietary Supplements Reduce the Disease Activity Score in Rheumatoid Arthritis? A Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials. Nutrients. 2020-Sep-29;12(10). doi:10.3390/nu12102991

Abstract

The aim was to compile the evidence from Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs) of diet or dietary supplements used to reduce disease activity in adults with Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA). Searches were performed in the databases PubMed, Scopus and Cochrane. Only RCT studies of diets, foods or dietary supplements, looking at effects on the Disease Activity Score in 28 joints (DAS28) among adults with RA, published in peer-reviewed journals, were included. A total of 27 articles were included-three of whole diets (Mediterranean diet, raw food and anti-inflammatory diet), five of food items, five of n-3 fatty acids, five of single micronutrient supplements, four of single antioxidant supplements and five of pre-, pro- or synbiotics. Studies that showed moderate strength evidence for positive effects on disease activity in RA included interventions with a Mediterranean diet, spices (ginger powder, cinnamon powder, saffron), antioxidants (quercetin and ubiquinone), and probiotics containing Lactobacillus Casei. Other diets or supplements had either no effects or low to very low strength of evidence. In conclusion, RCT studies on diet or dietary supplements are limited in patients with RA, but based on the results in this review there is evidence that some interventions might have positive effects on DAS28.

Key Findings

In conclusion, RCT studies on diet or dietary supplements are limited in patients with RA, but based on the results in this review there is evidence that some interventions might have positive effects on DAS28.

Outcomes Measured

  • inflammatory markers

Population

Field Value
Population ra
Sample Size See abstract
Age Range See abstract
Condition See abstract

MeSH Terms

  • Adult
  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents
  • Antioxidants
  • Arthritis, Rheumatoid
  • Diet
  • Diet, Mediterranean
  • Dietary Supplements
  • Fatty Acids, Omega-3
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Probiotics
  • Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
  • Severity of Illness Index
  • Treatment Outcome

Evidence Classification

  • Level: Systematic Review
  • Publication Types: Journal Article, Systematic Review
  • Vertical: quercetin

Provenance

Source extracted via PubMed E-utilities API on 2026-04-09