The Impact of the Mediterranean Diet on the Course of Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)
Aim: To determine the role of diet therapy as a non-pharmacological adjuvant treatment.
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.12775/QS.2026.66.74075Keywords
diet therapy, adjuvant treatment, inflammation, oxidative stress, DAS28 score, cardioprotection, Rheumatoid arthritis, Mediterranean dietAbstract
Objective: To determine the role of the Mediterranean diet as a non-pharmacological adjuvant treatment in rheumatoid arthritis (RA).
Methods: A review of PubMed-indexed literature (2021–2026) was conducted, focusing on the diet’s impact on disease activity (DAS28), inflammatory markers, oxidative stress, and cardiovascular risk.
Results: High adherence to the Mediterranean diet correlates with reduced clinical RA activity (lower DAS28) and improved metabolic parameters. This is driven by the intake of bioactive compounds—omega-3 fatty acids, dietary fiber, and polyphenols—which modulate inflammatory pathways and gut microbiota. The diet also provides essential cardioprotection, mitigating the high vascular risk in RA patients. However, the impact of diet on objective biochemical markers (CRP, ESR, anti-CCP) remains ambiguous. Notably, combining a personalized diet with targeted exercise therapy synergistically enhances quality of life and reduces pain.
Conclusions: The Mediterranean diet is an effective adjuvant treatment in RA, reducing clinical disease activity and improving cardiovascular prognosis. While its effect on specific immunological markers requires further study, the complexity of RA mandates a holistic, interdisciplinary approach to patient care.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Natalia Micek, Mikołaj Kamela, Michał Kasznicki, Alicja Rogozińska, Emilia Skrzypek, Michał Kalisiak, Karol Jackowiak, Wiktor Beśka, Małgorzata Czechowska, Jakub Lącki
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