Several dietary factors may influence SLE, glucocorticoid treatment

Although researchers at the Karolinska Institutet found dietary vitamin D was not protective against systemic lupus erythematosus disease activity, they discovered beta-carotene, fatty acid C18:2 and vitamin B₆ may be protective against the use of higher doses of glucocorticoids. They also found an inverse association between alcohol intake and glucocorticoid dose.

During a 2-year period, researchers studied 111 patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) who were enrolled in the SLE Vascular Impact Cohort. At baseline, patients completed Food Frequency Questionnaires about 88 food items and beverages consumed during the previous year. An estimation was calculated for the mean daily intake of 49 nutrients based on the Swedish National Food Administration data. Glucocorticoid use was calculated over time based on medical records at baseline, 1 year before and 1 year after inclusion.

Investigators found 54 patients continued treatment with glucocorticoids during the study period. Analysis showed dietary intake of vitamin D was associated with glucocorticoid use, while an inverse relationship was observed between alcohol and glucocorticoid consumption. Dietary beta-carotene, fatty acid C18:2 and vitamin B₆ were inversely associated with unchanged or increased use of glucocorticoids. An unchanged or increased dose of glucocorticoids was associated with dietary intake of vitamin B₁₂ and calcium. Ratios of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids were not associated with a change or increase in glucocorticoid dose.

“The inverse association between alcohol intake and [glucocorticoid] GC treatment/lupus activity may provide a partial explanation for the link between moderate alcohol intake and reduced risk of SLE,” the researchers wrote. “The association between higher dietary intake and higher GC dose levels indicated GC’s influence on increasing appetite.” – by Shirley Pulawski

Disclosure: The researchers report no relevant financial disclosures.

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Source:

Loududoss C, et al. Lupus Sci Med. 2015;doi:10.1136/lupus-2015-000135.