Nutritional recommendations for patients undergoing prolonged glucocorticoid therapy

Author(s)

Esteves, Gabriel P. ; Mazzolani, Bruna Caruso ; Smaira, Fabiana Infante ; Mendes, Elizabeth Silva ; de Oliveira, Gabriela Guimaraes ; Roschel, Hamilton ; Gualano, Bruno ; Pereira, Rosa Maria R. ; Dolan, Eimear

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: RHEUMATOLOGY ADVANCES IN PRACTICE; v. 6, n. 2, p. 13-pg., 2022-05-06.

Abstract

Glucocorticoid (GC) therapy is a common treatment used in rheumatic and autoimmune diseases, owing to its anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive effects. However, GC therapy can also induce a number of adverse effects, including muscle and bone loss, hypertension, metabolic perturbations and increased visceral adiposity. We review available evidence in this area and provide nutritional recommendations that might ameliorate these adverse effects. Briefly, optimizing calcium, vitamin D, sodium and protein intake and increasing consumption of unprocessed and minimally processed foods, while decreasing the consumption of ultra-processed foods, might counteract some of the specific challenges faced by these patients. Importantly, we identify a dearth of empirical data on how nutritional intervention might impact health-related outcomes in this population. Further research is required to investigate the clinical and therapeutic efficacy of these theory-based recommendations. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 19/14820-6 - Healthy lifestyle promotion in patients with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: effects on life quality and psychological aspects
• Grantee: Bruna Caruso Mazzolani
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate (Direct)
• FAPESP's process: 19/05616-6 - The bone response to exercise: a translational research program exploring clinical and mechanistic aspects
• Grantee: Eimear Bernadette Dolan
• Support Opportunities: Research Grants - Young Investigators Grants
• FAPESP's process: 16/00006-7 - Evaluation of bone metabolism parameters by HR-pQCT and histomorphometry in rheumatoid arthritis and juvenile idiopathic arthritis patients: association with clinical and genetic variables
• Grantee: Eduardo Ferreira Borba Neto
• Support Opportunities: Research Projects - Thematic Grants
• FAPESP's process: 20/08637-1 - The influence of exercise capacity and dietary intake on bone mass and microarchitecture in rheumatic patients prescribed with high dose glucocorticoid therapy
• Grantee: Elizabeth Silva Mendes
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• FAPESP's process: 20/07860-9 - The influence of exercise training on bone health in patients taking high doses of glucocorticoids
• Grantee: Gabriel Perri Esteves
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate (Direct)
• FAPESP's process: 19/14819-8 - Promotion of healthy lifestyle in patients with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: assessment of safety, efficiency and feasibility of the study 'Vivendo bem com Lúpus' (Living well with Lupus)
• Grantee: Fabiana Infante Smaira
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate (Direct)