Research Project Abstracts

A Retrospective Chart Review Pilot Study of Elimination Challenge Diets in Patients with Fibromyalgia

Principal Investigator: Joel S. Edman, DSc.
Grant Period: 2001-2002

Dietary influences on FM have been inadequately studied. We therefore report the results of this retrospective chart review study of 17 FM patients who completed an elimination/challenge diet. Charts were identified through a database search from three integrative medicine practices. They were then examined manually for completion of the protocol and recorded results. The 17 patients (16 females, 1 male) had a mean age of 45.1 years (range 29-63).  Average duration of FM symptoms was 4.9 years (range 1-22).

During the elimination phase, 8 patients (47%) reported significant reduction of pain. Thirteen (76%) reported improvements in a range of co-morbid symptoms including: headache, fatigue, gastrointestinal (GI) discomfort, wheezing, dyspnea, sleep disturbances, and urticaria. Two patients reported worsening of symptoms. During the food challenge phase, patients reported reactions to 2.5 foods on average (range 1-4); reactions included: pain (n=6), headache (n=5), GI symptoms (n=7), dyspnea (n=2), and other miscellaneous symptoms (n=8). Foods most frequently causing reactions included: corn (n=5), dairy (n=5), wheat (n=5), citrus (n=3) and sugar (n=3).

These preliminary data suggest that food intolerance can significantly affect FM pain as well as other co-morbid symptoms in patients with FM. Future research is necessary, however, to confirm these findings through prospective, controlled studies.

Presentation:
This topic was presented as a paper at the 42nd Annual Meeing of the American College of Nutrition, Orlando, FL, October 3-7, 2001.