Background: Rheumatoid arthritis is a long-term condition that causes inflammation, pain, and stiffness in the joints. Diet is believed to play an important role in managing inflammation and overall health, and the Mediterranean diet—rich in vegetables, fruits, whole grains, olive oil, and fish—is well known for its health benefits. Research Question: Does following a Mediterranean diet for 90 days help reduce joint inflammation, decrease pain, and improve daily physical function and overall quality of life in people living with rheumatoid arthritis compared to standard care? Methodology: Adults with rheumatoid arthritis were randomly assigned to one of two groups for 90 days. One group followed a Mediterranean diet, while the other group received standard medical care and basic healthy eating advice. Researchers evaluated participants at the beginning of the study and after 90 days to check joint swelling, pain levels, physical disability, general health, and routine blood markers of inflammation. A small subset of blood samples was also examined to see how the diet influenced specific natural chemical messengers in the body that regulate inflammation.
- Confirmed diagnosis of Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) according to the ACR/EULAR 2010 classification criteria. - Ability to fully comprehend the study protocol. - Provision of written informed consent prior to participation.
- Diagnosis of gout or septic arthritis. - Severe co-existing conditions (e.g., renal failure with serum creatinine > 2.0 mg/dL). - Known psychiatric disorders that would limit the understanding of the protocol or the ability to provide informed consent. - Pregnancy or lactation. - Body mass index (BMI) < 18.5 kg/m². - History of eating disorders (bulimia or anorexia nervosa) within the last 5 years. - Current or recent (within the previous 6 months) adherence to a vegetarian diet or intermittent fasting. - Recent initiation (within 8 weeks prior to enrollment) of treatment with biological agents or biosimilars for RA management. - Current participation in another clinical trial.
WHAT: Rheumatoid arthritis clinical disease activity, evaluated via DAS28-CRP (Disease Activity Score 28 using C-Reactive Protein). WHEN: Measured at baseline (T0) and 90 days post-intervention (T90). HOW: Data were collected by trained personnel using standardized clinical assessments, physical evaluations and standard laboratory measurements.