Table 3.
Summary of caloric restriction/fasting studies in rheumatoid arthritis and psoriasis with potential applicability to IBD. Data have been promising for both systemic and anti-inflammatory benefits. This diet could be of benefit to specific groups of patients with IBD who are not malnourished.
| Study | Disease | Design | N | Results |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jensen [54] | Ps | Randomized trial | 60 | Caloric restriction group showed significant weight loss (−15.4 kg) (p < 0.001) and reduction in PASI (−2.0) (p = 0.06) compared to regular diet group. |
| Jensen [55] | Ps | Prospective observational | 38 | Long-term (>1 year) benefits in both weight loss and PASI for those who underwent a 16-week caloric reduction (PASI reduction mean −2.9; 95% CU −3.9, −1.9). |
| Klingberg [56] | PsA * | Single-arm intervention | 46 | Treatment with caloric restriction led to weight loss and significant improvement in multiple symptoms (e.g., VAS pain p = 0.004, swollen joints score p = 0.021), CRP (−2.0 mg/L) in those with psoriatic arthritis (p = 0.041). |
| Abendroth [57] | RA | Non-randomized Observational | 50 | Of the 22 who participated in fasting, there were decreased disease activity scores (−1.6) when compared to baseline before dietary intervention at day 13 (p < 0.001). |
| Michalsen [58] | RA | Non-randomized Observational | 51 | Of the nine patients who fasted, there was a significant improvement in disease activity at 2 weeks compared to baseline (p = 0.007). |
* PsA = Psoriatic arthritis.