The Effectiveness of the Low-Glycemic and Insulinemic (LOGI) Regimen in Maintaining the Benefits of the VLCKD in Fibromyalgia Patients

Abstract

Background: Fibromyalgia (FM) is a chronic disorder that causes damage to the neuro-muscular system and alterations in the intestinal microbiota and affects the psychological state of the patient. In our previous study, we showed that 22 women patients subjected to a specific very low-carbohydrate ketogenic therapy (VLCKD) showed an improvement in clinical scores as well as neurotransmission-related and psychological dysfunctions and intestinal dysbiosis. Furthermore, NMR metabolomic data showed that changes induced by VLCKD treatment were evident in all metabolic pathways related to fibromyalgia biomarkers. Methods: Based on this evidence, we extend our investigation into dietary interventions for fibromyalgia by evaluating the impact of transitioning from a VLCKD to a low-glycemic insulinemic (LOGI) diet over an additional 45-day period. Therefore, participants initially following a VLCKD were transitioned to the LOGI diet after 45 days to determine whether the improvements in FM symptoms and metabolic dysfunctions achieved through VLCKD could be sustained with LOGI. Results: Our findings suggested that while VLCKD serves as an effective initial intervention for correcting metabolic imbalances and alleviating FM symptoms, transitioning to a LOGI diet offers a practical and sustainable dietary strategy. This transition preserves clinical improvements and supports long-term adherence and quality of life, underscoring the importance of adaptable nutritional therapies in chronic disease management. Control patients who adhered only to the LOGI diet for 90 days showed only modest improvement in clinical and psychological conditions, but not elimination of fibromyalgia symptoms. Conclusions: In conclusion the LOGI diet is an excellent alternative to maintain the results obtained from the regime VLCKD.