Effects of a gluten-free diet on quality of life in patients with axial spondyloarthritis

Impact of a Gluten-free Diet on Quality of Life in Patients With Axial Spondyloarthritis: Study Protocol of a Randomized Double-blind Placebo-controlled Trial

Not applicable Interventional University Hospital, Clermont-Ferrand · NCT04274374

This study is testing whether a gluten-free diet can improve the quality of life for people with axial spondyloarthritis.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment200 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorUniversity Hospital, Clermont-Ferrand Academic / other
Locations7 sites (Bordeaux and 6 other locations)
Trial IDNCT04274374 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study investigates the impact of a gluten-free diet (GFD) on the quality of life of patients diagnosed with axial spondyloarthritis (SpA). It is a 24-week, randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial involving 200 participants who will be assigned to either a GFD or a gluten-containing diet. Participants will receive specific dietary products to ensure compliance and will be monitored by a dietician throughout the study. The aim is to provide controlled data on the effects of dietary changes in this patient population.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults diagnosed with axial spondyloarthritis who can adhere to a gluten-free diet and have stable treatment for their condition.

Not a fit: Patients with a history of celiac disease or those currently on any restrictive diets may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could improve the quality of life for patients with axial spondyloarthritis through dietary management.

How similar studies have performed: While there is limited controlled data on this specific approach, anecdotal evidence suggests potential benefits of gluten-free diets in similar patient populations.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* diagnosis of axial SpA defined by ASAS criteria
* Rheumatologist not wish to change the treatment within 4 months of inclusion,
* stable treatment (NSAID and/or DMARD) for at least 3 months but no corticosteroid infiltration in the month prior to inclusion,
* able to follow a GFD and to provide written informed consent and submit to the requirements of the study

Exclusion Criteria:

* Any diet at the time of inclusion or within 3 months prior to inclusion;
* have a history of celiac disease;
* received antibiotic treatment within 3 months of inclusion or are taking a probiotic;
* are pregnant, breastfeeding,
* not covered by social security;
* minors or adults under the protection of the law or under the protection of justice.

Where this trial is running

Bordeaux and 6 other locations

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Ankylosing Spondyloarthritisspondyloarthritisankylosing spondylitisgluten-free dietgut microbiota
Last reviewed 2026-06-10 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.