Dietary short-term fiber interventions in arthritis patients increase systemic SCFA levels and regulate inflammation. Dietary short-term fiber interventions in arthritis

Chronic inflammatory diseases are often initiated and guided by the release of pro-inflammatory mediators. Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is caused by an imbalance between the pro- and anti-inflammatory mediators in the joints thereby favoring chronic inflammation and joint damage. Here, we investigate if short-term high-fiber dietary intervention shifts this towards anti-inflammatory mediators. Healthy controls (n = 10) and RA patients (n = 29) under routine care received daily high-fiber bars for 15 or 30 days, respectively. Stool and sera were analyzed for pro- and anti-inflammatory mediators. High-fiber dietary intervention resulted in increased anti-inflammatory short-chain fatty acids (SCFA), decreased pro-arthritic cytokine concentrations along with a durable shift in the Firmicutes-to-Bacteroidetes ratio. Together, these results further strengthen high-fiber dietary interventions as viable approach to complement existing pharmacological therapies.