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J Ren Nutr. 2000 Oct;10(4):170-83. Related Articles, Links
Lupus erythematosus and nutrition: a review of the literature.
Brown AC.
Department of Human Nutrition, Food, & Animal Sciences, University of Hawaii at Manoa, Honolulu, HI 96822, USA.
The purpose of this review was to search the scientific literature for dietary compounds that alleviate or exacerbate
symptoms of lupus erythematosus (LE) in both animal and human models. A detailed literature review was undertaken to find
articles showing a relationship between LE and nutrition by using MEDLINE/INDEX MEDICUS (1950-March 2000) for English-language
articles, followed by cross-referencing. Aggravating substances appear to include excess calories, excess protein, high fat
(especially saturated and omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids), zinc, iron, and L-canavanine found in alfalfa tablets. Possible
beneficial dietary compounds include vitamin E, vitamin A (beta-carotene), selenium, fish oils (omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty
acids), evening primrose oil, flaxseed, a plant herb (Tripterygium wilfordii), dehydroepiandrosterone, and calcium plus vitamin
D (if taking corticosteroids). Some people with systemic LE placed on food allergy elimination diets reported improvement
in their LE symptoms; however, this may be related to a decrease of other substances in the diet. Also, although no direct
evidence was reported on the beneficial effects of either bromelain or a vegetarian diet (possibly allowing fish), it is suggested
that they might be beneficial. Limitations to this research are that the findings are based on relatively few studies, many
of which were without control groups or extrapolated from animal models. No large-scale studies have been performed with LE
patients to substantiate the benefit, if any, of these individual dietary interventions, and if they were conducted, the remission
and exacerbation pattern of LE may interfere with elucidating their effectiveness. Also, dietary changes should not be attempted
without a physician's approval/monitoring. Copyright 2000 by the National Kidney Foundation, Inc.
Publication Types:
• Review
• Review, Tutorial
PMID: 11070144 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
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