The Impact of Dietary Restriction of Animal Protein and Fat on Osteoarthritis

Study Summary

Patients will be randomized into the control or intervention group. Based on patient preference, the intervention group will be trained for one hour in either individual or group format on vegan diet. They will also be directed to www.pcrm.org and www.drmarymd.com for low glycemic, animal free, low fat food options and support. The control group will continue their normal omnivorous diet program. Twenty-four hour food recalls will be obtained at the start and end of the trial, and once a week for the 6 weeks of the trial by telephone. Patients will undergo a final interview at the end of the 6 week study period. The intervention group should strive to obtain 90% of their calories from plants. They will be encouraged to eat freely and not count calories. Patients will undergo additional individual consultation as needed to promote compliance and answer specific questions. Over the 6 weeks, the Patient Global Improvement of Change (PGIC) and the 36 item short form health survey (SF-36) will be performed weekly by telephone. Patient will perform a Visual Analog Scale (VAS) of their pain level randomly daily on their own. C-reactive protein levels will be assessed at the beginning and end of the study at Munson Medical Center Laboratories as a secondary measure of diet changes. There have been no published prospective randomized controlled trials assessing whether a vegan diet would benefit osteoarthritis. The specific aim of this study is to determine if a vegan diet will result in subjective reduction in perceived pain and limitations to function in patients with osteoarthritis.

Primary Outcome

Significant responders were defined as patients that experienced a clinically significant improvement in at least two of the three administered tests: pain, as measured by a 30% improvement on the VAS(Visual Analog Scale) and improvement in patient's global status, measured by a rating of somewhat better to a great deal better on the PGIC scale, and physical function, a \>6 point improvement on the 36-item short form health survey (SF-36v2) Role Physical or Physical Component Summary Score

Interventions

• OTHER Control
• OTHER Limitation of Animal Fat and Protein in the Diet