Pos0677 Effectiveness of a Mediterranean Diet-Based Intervention in Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients: A 3-Month Prospective Study

Background: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory disease associated with various comorbidities and systemic manifestations [1]. Nutrition plays a crucial role in managing RA symptoms, and the Mediterranean diet (MeD) has been suggested to have potential benefits [2,3]. Objectives: This study aims to evaluate the impact of a MeD-based intervention on anthropometric, clinical, and patient-reported outcomes in RA patients compared to those on a regular diet. Methods: A total of 130 RA patients participated in a 3-month controlled trial. The patients were divided in two groups: The MeD Group (n=65) following a MeD-based intervention and the Regular Diet Group (n=65). The two groups were meticulously matched by sex and age to minimize possible confounding factors. Anthropometric measurements, disease-related parameters, and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) using the 36-item short-form health survey (SF-36), were assessed at baseline and after 3 months. The Med-based intervention adherence screener (MEDAS) was monitored by evaluating dietary components, including oil, fruits, vegetables, red meat, fish, and wine. Results: The mean age of the MeD Diet Group was 62.2 ± 11.2, while the Regular Diet Group had a mean age of 62.5 ± 11.8 years. Both groups had an equal distribution of male and female participants, with 21.5% male and 78.5% female in each group. The duration of the disease was also similar between the two groups (mean duration of 16.6 ± 11.8 for the Med Diet vs 15.4 ± 12.3 years for the Regular Diet, respectively). Regarding treatment, the Med Diet and Regular Diet groups received similar corticosteroids and DMARDs percentages, with 46.2% vs. 47.7% and 40%, respectively. In the Med Diet group, 26.1% underwent biologic therapy, and 6.1% received JAK inhibitors. In the Regular Diet group, 32.3% underwent biologic therapy, and 10.7% received JAK inhibitors. After 3 months, the MeD Group exhibited significant improvements in body weight (p<0.001), body mass index (p<0.001), body fat percentage (p<0.001), and disease activity markers such as CRP (p=0.030) and ESR (p<0.001), and DAS28 (p<0.001). Notably, the MeD group consistently adhered to key nutrients. The SF-36 results indicated that the MeD group experienced significantly better outcomes in physical function, role-physical, role-emotional, energy/fatigue, emotional/well-being, social functioning, pain, general health, and health change, compared to the Regular Diet Group. Conclusion: The MeD-based intervention demonstrated robust adherence and positive effects on anthropometric measures, disease activity markers, and SF-36 survey in RA patients after 3 months. These findings underscore the importance of dietary interventions as complementary strategies in the comprehensive care of RA patients. REFERENCES: [1] Smolen JS & Aletaha D. Nature Reviews. Rheumatology. 2015; 11(5),276–289. [2] Skoczyńska M, & Świerkot J. Reumatologia. 2018; 56(4),259–2. [3] Alawadhi B, et al. Int J Rheum Dis. 2023;26(12):2430-2440. Acknowledgements: NIL. Disclosure of Interests: None declared.