"In this study we sought to assess whether we could modify dietary lifestyle, disease activity and cardiovascular risk in female patients with RA living in areas of social deprivation by introducing them to a Mediterranean-type diet," wrote the researchers.
"This study shows that this intervention was achievable and well received by patients. Intake of fruit, vegetables and legumes increased significantly over 3 months in the intervention group and the use of monounsaturated compared with saturated fats improved."
However, the researchers said they did not find a significant improvement in the intake of the antioxidant vitamins A, C and E, but suggested that this may have been because the FFQ was not sufficiently sensitive to detect changes in the actual nutrient intake.
The Mediterranean diet has also been linked to reducing the risk for heart disease. In this study, the scientists wanted to ascertain whether they could modify the higher tendency in patients with RA of being at risk for cardiovascular disease through diet.
Following the study period, the intervention group were found on average to have lost weight (median 0.9 kg over the 6 month period), whereas the control group showed a weight gain (median 3 kg). However, the researchers said this difference was not statistically significant. They also said they noticed a small, but insignificant reduction in systolic blood pressure in the intervention group.
"This study has shown that female patients with RA following a Mediterranean-type diet derive modest benefits across a range of areas, suggesting that this type of intervention may be a useful therapeutic adjunct to conventional DMARDs, feasible in routine clinical practice and popular with patients," concluded the researchers.
Source: Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases; September 2007; 2007;66:1239-1243. doi: 10.1136/ard.2006.065151
Authors: G McKellar, E Morrison, A McEntegart, R Hampson, A Tierney, G Mackle, J Scoular, J A Scott, H A Capell
Is there a recognized definition of what a Mediterranean Diet is? I've done a little searching, and it can be a combination of things -- high fish, vegetables, fruits, wine, olive oil, etc. Is it the components? or the ratio of one item to the rest? With all those components, I could imagine it would be difficult to interpret results? (unless all subjects were eating the same diet all the time, though even this would not account for individual differences)
I think your description of what a Mediterranean Diet looks like is pretty accurate. I don't know how closely they stuck to this in the study however.
Generally, when I see the Mediterranean Diet invoked, it involves lowering one's intake of animal protein (with the exception of fish), increasing the intake of legumes, vegetables, fruits and whole grains, making an oil-change (from the commonly used oils to predominantly olive oil). Sometimes these diets allow an occasional glass of red wine.
Quote:
The Med diet is rich in cereals, wine, fruits, nuts, legumes and whole grains, fish and olive oil. Its main nutritional components include beta-carotene, vitamins A, C and E, tocopherols, polyphenols, and essential minerals.
...
"This study shows that this intervention was achievable and well received by patients. Intake of fruit, vegetables and legumes increased significantly over 3 months in the intervention group and the use of monounsaturated compared with saturated fats improved."
Mediterranean Diet May Benefit RA
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