Effects of a high-fiber diet on gut health and rheumatoid arthritis symptoms

Einfluss Ballaststoffreicher Ernährung Auf Das Mikrobiom Und Die Krankheitsaktivität Von Patientinnen Und Patienten Mit Rheumatoider Arthritis

Not applicable Interventional Wuerzburg University Hospital · NCT06492200

This study is testing if a high-fiber diet can improve gut health and reduce symptoms for adults with rheumatoid arthritis.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment52 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 99 Years
SexAll
SponsorWuerzburg University Hospital Academic / other
Locations1 site (Würzburg)
Trial IDNCT06492200 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial aims to determine whether increasing dietary fiber can enhance the gut microbiome and alleviate symptoms in adults with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Participants will be divided into two groups: one receiving dietary counseling and 10 grams of psyllium husk daily, while the other continues their usual diet. The study will monitor changes in gut bacteria, production of beneficial short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), RA activity, and body weight over a 12-month period. Regular dietary support and questionnaires will be utilized to assess the impact of the dietary changes.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults over 18 years old with a confirmed diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis.

Not a fit: Patients with chronic inflammatory bowel disease or those who have recently used antibiotics may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could lead to improved management of rheumatoid arthritis symptoms and overall health through dietary modifications.

How similar studies have performed: While the role of the gut microbiome in RA is emerging, this specific dietary intervention has not been extensively tested in previous studies.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Patients over 18 years old
* Diagnosis of Rheumatoid Arthritis according to the ACR criteria of 2010
* The patient can understand the scope of the study and consents in writing to participate.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Age under 18
* Lack of consent capability
* Insufficient knowledge of the German language
* Chronic inflammatory bowel disease
* Liver cirrhosis
* History of mechanical ileus
* Patients with altered gastrointestinal passage (e.g., stoma patients)
* Use of antibiotics within the past three months
* Use of ground psyllium husks four weeks prior to study inclusion

Where this trial is running

Würzburg

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 Arthritis, Rheumatoid
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.