Background: Autoimmune diseases like Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) and Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) are a serious global health issue, arising from complex gene-environment interactions involving nutrition. Pharmacological interventions are first-line, but dietary manipulation is a relevant modifiable factor. Aim: The current review strives to synthesize recent evidence (2020-2024) of the interaction between specific genetic polymorphisms and eating patterns on influencing disease activity and symptoms in RA and SLE. Methods: A narrative review was conducted by systematically reviewing scientific literature between 2020 and 2024. The focus was on studies investigating interactions between genetic polymorphisms and food intakes on clinical outcomes in RA and SLE patients. Results: Evidence confirms that genetic polymorphisms in pathways of nutrient metabolism (e.g., VDR, MTHFR), oxidative stress (GPX1), and inflammation (FADS1) significantly modify reactions to nutrients like vitamin D, folate, selenium, and omega-3 fatty acids. Dietary patterns, particularly the Mediterranean dietary pattern, are supportive of genetically modulating risk, and the gut microbiota is an important intermediary in these mechanisms. The reaction to elimination diets may also be genetically controlled. Conclusion: A uniform dietary approach is not adequate for RA and SLE management. The evidence points to the potential of personalized nutrition, where genetic testing can guide individually designed dietary protocols in order to reduce disease activity, dampen flares, and improve patient quality of life.
Rowaili et al. (Tue,) studied this question.