5. Conclusions
micronutrient deficiencies, dietary behaviors, Micronutrient deficiencies, RA
RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS, DISEASE
The results of this study suggest that dietary counselling for a whole-food PBD including TRE compared to a guideline-based anti-inflammatory diet does not lead to two different dietary clusters, meaning two distinct dietary behaviors, as expected. This might explain why both groups performed similarly regarding the observed disease activity.However, in terms of nutrient supply a whole-food plant-based diet including TRE might result in micronutrient deficiencies in vitamin A, vitamin B12, vitamin D, riboflavin and calcium compared to a guideline-based anti-inflammatory diet for RA. Micronutrient deficiencies can and should therefore be avoided through individualized, regular nutritional counselling and education.Further confirmatory studies with larger sample sizes are needed to further define dietary recommendations for patients with rheumatoid arthritis.