Mediterranean Diet and Patients With Psoriasis

JAMA Dermatology

Clinical Summary

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What was studied

An open-label, single-center, evaluator-blinded randomized clinical trial tested a 16-week, dietitian-guided Mediterranean diet versus standard low-fat advice in adults with mild to moderate psoriasis on stable topical therapy.

Key findings

At 16 weeks, the EMM PASI change was -3.4 (95% CI, -4.4 to -2.4) with the Mediterranean diet vs 0.0 (95% CI, -1.0 to 1.0) with control; between-group EMM difference -3.4 (95% CI, -4.8 to -2.0; P<.001). PASI 75 was reached by 9/19 (47.4%) in the Mediterranean diet group vs 0 in control. HbA1c improved with a between-group EMM difference of -4.1 mmol/mol (95% CI, -6.9 to -1.3; P=.01).

Study limitations

Small, single-center study (n=38) with a short 16-week follow-up. Open-label design with evaluator blinding only and greater contact in the intervention arm (dietitian-guided) may introduce performance and attention bias. Findings apply to mild to moderate psoriasis on stable topical therapy and may not generalize to severe disease.

Clinical implications

For adults with mild to moderate psoriasis on stable topical therapy, a 16-week, dietitian-guided Mediterranean diet produced clinically meaningful PASI reductions and better HbA1c versus standard low-fat advice. Consider offering a Mediterranean-style diet program as an adjunct to topical treatment.