Abstract
BackgroundThe relationship between food and health is known since the antiquity and in the field of rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases (RMDs), mainly rheumatoid arthritis (RA), a large number of studies has been published over the last 50 years encompassing different aspects of nutrition. This led to postulate a role of nutrients for both primary prevention of RMDs in the general population and secondary prevention of disease flares and complications in patients with an established RMD.Main body of abstractWe aimed to summarise and critically discuss current evidence on the role of different nutrients and dietary regimens in RMDs with a focus on RA. Over the last years, some seminal papers proved that some compounds, such as salt, can directly modulate the immune system and large epidemiological studies have been linking dietary patters with the risk to develop RMDs. However, physicians’ knowledge about the role of diet in disease prevention and treatment is often poor and ultimately diet is rarely perceived as a companion of pharmacological treatment.ConclusionsBased on the currently available evidence, we are not (yet?) in the phase of putting diet on the same level as pharmacological treatment in RMDs and in particular, RA, but future studies will likely shed additional light on this controversial topic and at least might suggest a value as dietary prevention of risk factors.
Highlights
ConclusionsBased on the currently available evidence, we are not (yet?) in the phase of putting diet on the same level as pharmacological treatment in rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases (RMDs) and in particular, rheumatoid arthritis (RA), but future studies will likely shed additional light on this controversial topic and at least might suggest a value as dietary prevention of risk factors
The relationship between food and health is known since the antiquity and in the field of rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases (RMDs), mainly rheumatoid arthritis (RA), a large number of studies has been published over the last 50 years encompassing different aspects of nutrition
Based on the currently available evidence, we are not in the phase of putting diet on the same level as pharmacological treatment in RMDs and in particular, RA, but future studies will likely shed additional light on this controversial topic and at least might suggest a value as dietary prevention of risk factors
Summary
The currently available evidence disputes, at least in part, Hippocrates’ notion that food should be a medicine by definition. We are not (yet?) in the phase of putting diet on the same level as pharmacological treatment in RMDs and in particular arthritis, but we are confident that future studies will shed additional light on this controversial topic and at least might suggest a value as dietary prevention of risk factors. Greeks and Romans were the first populations following the Mediterranean diet, Hippocrates recognised himself that the definition of food as medicine should be performed with caution, and anticipating centuries of research, eventually concluded: “if we could give every individual the right amount of nourishment and exercise, not too little and not too much, we would have the safest way to health.”.
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
