Diet as a treatment for Gulf War Illness
Confirmation of Diet as a Treatment for Gulf War Illness
This study is testing whether a specific diet can help improve symptoms in veterans with Gulf War Illness.
Quick facts
| Phase | Phase 3 |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 160 (estimated) |
| Ages | 50 Years to 75 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | American University Academic / other |
| Locations | 3 sites (Washington D.C., District of Columbia and 2 other locations) |
| Trial ID | NCT05675878 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This clinical trial aims to confirm previous findings that a specific dietary intervention can significantly improve symptoms in veterans with Gulf War Illness. Participants will be randomized into either the dietary intervention group or a wait-listed control group, with assessments conducted before and after one month of the intervention. The study will also explore changes in the nervous system and identify blood markers associated with symptom improvement. By including a larger and more diverse group of veterans, the research seeks to validate earlier results and enhance understanding of the diet's effects.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are veterans who served in the 1990-1991 Persian Gulf War and meet the criteria for Gulf War Illness.
Not a fit: Patients with recent substance use disorders or those unwilling to change their diet may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide a no-risk, low-cost treatment option for veterans suffering from Gulf War Illness.
How similar studies have performed: Previous smaller studies have shown significant improvements with similar dietary interventions, suggesting potential for success in this larger trial.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Males and Females of all races and ethnicities who are ≤75 yrs of age * Served in the 1990-1991 Persian Gulf War * Fulfill both Center for Disease Control (CDC) and Kansas definitions of Gulf War Illness * Stable medication regimen for ≥1 month and willing to keep medications and supplements stable throughout study participation Exclusion Criteria: * Recent substance use disorder (past year) * Unwilling to stop using alcohol, tobacco (including vaping) and/or marijuana; or unwilling to change diet * Diagnosed seizure disorder or severe asthma requiring past hospitalization * Currently taking medication which affects glutamatergic or GABAergic neurotransmission (but can work with their physician to wean off of these medications prior to participating)
Where this trial is running
Washington D.C., District of Columbia and 2 other locations
- American University — Washington D.C., District of Columbia, United States (Recruiting)
- Nova Southeastern University — Fort Lauderdale, Florida, United States (Recruiting)
- Boston University — Boston, Massachusetts, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Kathleen F Holton, PhD, MPH — American University
- Study coordinator: Houra Taheri, PhD
- Email: htaheri@american.edu
- Phone: 202- 885-3810
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.