Testing a Nordic-style healthy diet in people with rheumatoid arthritis
Tests a healthy diet based on Nordic nutrition guidelines in adults with rheumatoid arthritis.
Plain-language title generated from the registry record
Registry title: Nutrition in Rheumatoid Arthritis
Key facts
- Where
- Gothenburg, SwedenSee the site
Could this be for you?
Answer for yourself. This is not a decision: only the study team can say whether you can take part.
- Are you between 18 and 85 years old?
Source: NCT06831331, who can take part
Where in Sweden
- Klinisk Reumatologiskt Forskningscentrum, Sahlgrenska University HospitalGothenburg, SwedenNo longer taking part
Questions to ask the study team
- How often do I need to come in, and for how long each time?
- Are travel costs paid?
- Can I keep my own doctor?
- What happens if I want to stop?
Trial details
- Who runs it
- Vastra Gotaland Region
- Trial code
- NCT06831331
- Record updated
- 23 October 2026
- Original description
Background: Individuals with Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) often experience persistent symptoms such as pain and stiffness despite modern pharmacological treatments. They also have an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. Elevated risk factors for cardiovascular disease limit the options for some symptom-relieving medications, making a reduction in these risk factors highly desirable. Diet has been shown to reduce several of these factors, but the scientific evidence for rheumatoid arthritis is limited, and thus tailored dietary advice is lacking.Read full original descriptionShow less
NUTRA- Nutrition in Rheumatoid Arthritis
Background: Individuals with Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) often experience persistent symptoms such as pain and stiffness despite modern pharmacological treatments. They also have an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. Elevated risk factors for cardiovascular disease limit the options for some symptom-relieving medications, making a reduction in these risk factors highly desirable. Diet has been shown to reduce several of these factors, but the scientific evidence for rheumatoid arthritis is limited, and thus tailored dietary advice is lacking.
Objective: The purpose of the NUTRA study is to evaluate the effect of a diet that follows the updated Nordic Nutrition Recommendations (2023) on disease activity and cardiovascular risk factors in individuals with diagnosed RA. Specifically, the study will analyze the impact of the diet on clinically relevant markers such as blood pressure, lipid profile, inflammatory markers, and body composition.
Study Plan: The study will include about 120 patients, and participants will be randomized into either an immediate 3-month diet intervention following the Nordic Nutrition recommendations or a waitinglist control group, that will start with the diet intervention after three months. The intervention diet, will be added as a complementary treatment to the medications the patients are already taking. Participants will receive menus, recipes and some foods for three months, followed by self-maintenance of the diet. Clinical markers will be evaluated before and after the intervention/control periods and six months after ending their intervention period. Primary outcome is ApoB.
The NUTRA study aims to generate evidence to guide the design of dietary interventions for patients with rheumatoid arthritis. By understanding the potential role of diet in reducing both disease activity and cardiovascular risk, the study may contribute to improved treatment strategies for this challenging patient group.
Inclusion: diagnosed RA on Methotrexate and/or additional treatment. RA is defined according to the criteria from EULAR/American College of Rheumatology (ACR) 2010; BMI 18.5-40 kg/m2; willing to follow the intervention diet.
Exclusion: diagnosis for cancer or other life-threatening diseases; diabetes type 1 and 2; inflammatory bowel disease or celiac disease; pregnancy; lactation.