Journals / Turkish Journal of Health Science and Life / 2025 / Cilt: 8 Sayı: 3

The Mediterranean Diet and Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Gut–Joint Axis Perspective

Akdeniz Diyeti ve Romatoid Artrit: Bağırsak-Eklem Eksenli Bir Bakış Açısı

Esraa Abdulrahman(İSTANBUL GELİŞİM ÜNİVERSİTESİ)0009-0006-0993-1241
Pages
150–159
Publication Date
2025-12-31
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AI Summary & Key Takeaways

AI Insight
⚡ TL;DR(Too Long; Didn't Read)

Its positive effects on clinical outcomes, systemic inflammation, and gut microbiota underscore the importance of incorporating nutritional therapies into the multidisciplinary care programs of RA patients.

📌 3 Key Takeaways

🎯
Objective & Hypothesis:Rheumatoid arthritis (RA), a chronic autoimmune illness, is characterized by persistent systemic issues and joint inflammation.
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Key Findings & Data:Omega-3 fatty acids, fiber, antioxidants, polyphenols, vitamins, and minerals are rich in MD and have been demonstrated to have a beneficial effect on the gut microbiome and reduce inflammation.
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Conclusion & Impact:Its positive effects on clinical outcomes, systemic inflammation, and gut microbiota underscore the importance of incorporating nutritional therapies into the multidisciplinary care programs of RA patients.
🔬Design:Derleme
📍Scope:Comprehensive Sample
⚙️Variables:Anti-inflammatory diet · dysbiosis · gut–joint axis

Abstract

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA), a chronic autoimmune illness, is characterized by persistent systemic issues and joint inflammation. The mainstay of managing RA is still pharmaceutical treatment, although there is growing evidence that dietary changes may have additional advantages. The Mediterranean diet (MD), with its anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties, has emerged as a promising non-pharmacological approach among dietary patterns. Omega-3 fatty acids, fiber, antioxidants, polyphenols, vitamins, and minerals are rich in MD and have been demonstrated to have a beneficial effect on the gut microbiome and reduce inflammation. These elements are essential for the synthesis of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), which are metabolites produced when the gut bacteria ferment dietary fiber. By modifying the activity of regulatory T-cells, dendritic cells, and macrophages, SCFAs control immunological responses and help to improve RA clinical outcomes. Furthermore, good cardiovascular outcomes like lower blood pressure, improved lipid profiles, and a decreased body mass index (BMI), factors frequently impacted by RA and its treatments, are linked to MD adherence. Considering the gut–joint axis, a two-way process linked to the pathophysiology of RA, the MD's function in controlling the variety of gut microbiota is also essential. In summary, the Mediterranean diet presents a practical and scientifically validated supplementary approach to the treatment of RA. Its positive effects on clinical outcomes, systemic inflammation, and gut microbiota underscore the importance of incorporating nutritional therapies into the multidisciplinary care programs of RA patients.

Özet

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA), a chronic autoimmune illness, is characterized by persistent systemic issues and joint inflammation. The mainstay of managing RA is still pharmaceutical treatment, although there is growing evidence that dietary changes may have additional advantages. The Mediterranean diet (MD), with its anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties, has emerged as a promising non-pharmacological approach among dietary patterns. Omega-3 fatty acids, fiber, antioxidants, polyphenols, vitamins, and minerals are rich in MD and have been demonstrated to have a beneficial effect on the gut microbiome and reduce inflammation. These elements are essential for the synthesis of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), which are metabolites produced when the gut bacteria ferment dietary fiber. By modifying the activity of regulatory T-cells, dendritic cells, and macrophages, SCFAs control immunological responses and help to improve RA clinical outcomes. Furthermore, good cardiovascular outcomes like lower blood pressure, improved lipid profiles, and a decreased body mass index (BMI), factors frequently impacted by RA and its treatments, are linked to MD adherence. Considering the gut–joint axis, a two-way process linked to the pathophysiology of RA, the MD's function in controlling the variety of gut microbiota is also essential. In summary, the Mediterranean diet presents a practical and scientifically validated supplementary approach to the treatment of RA. Its positive effects on clinical outcomes, systemic inflammation, and gut microbiota underscore the importance of incorporating nutritional therapies into the multidisciplinary care programs of RA patients.

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Cite This Article

Abdulrahman, E., Mohammadinazhad, A. K. (2025). The Mediterranean Diet and Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Gut–Joint Axis Perspective. Turkish Journal of Health Science and Life, Cilt: 8 Sayı: 3, 150–159. https://doi.org/10.56150/tjhsl.1757908

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