The impact of Inulin supplementation on body mass index, weight, and waist circumferences in patients with rheumatoid arthritis: A randomized clinical trial

Background and Aim : Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a multifactorial autoimmune disease. Obesity especially central obesity can exacerbate the symptoms of RA leading to greater inflammation, increased pain, and decreased physical function. Recent studies indicate that an imbalance in the gut microbiome may contribute to the development and progression of rheumatoid arthritis, particularly in individuals with obesity, by influencing inflammation and metabolic processes. This study aimed to investigate the effect of inulin supplementation on body mass index(BMI), weight, and waist circumferences (WC) in RA patients. Methods : In a randomized clinical trial, ۶۰ patients aged ۱۸ and older with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) were randomly allocated to receive ۱۰ grams of inulin or maltodextrin daily for ۸ weeks. BMI, weight, and WC were evaluated at both the start and end of the study. Dietary intake was assessed through analysis of food records provided by participants at the beginning, middle, and end study. Physical activity was measured using the short form of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire. Data were analyzed utilizing SPSS ۲۲ software Results : The Body Mass Index, weight, and waist circumference did not significantly change at the end of the study in the group receiving inulin and maltodextrin. However, after the intervention, there was a significant difference in the Body Mass Index (۲۷.۲ inulin vs. ۲۸.۷۷ placebo, P > ۰.۰۰۱), weight (۶۹.۸۷ inulin vs. ۶۹.۹۲ placebo, P > ۰.۰۰۱), and waist circumference (۹۱.۷۸ inulin vs. ۹۳.۷۶ placebo, P > ۰.۰۰۱) between two groups after adjustment for baseline values and carbohydrate, total fiber, Iron, Calcium, Magnesium, and Selenium Conclusion : The results of this study indicate that inulin intake has beneficial effects on general and visceral obesity in patients with rheumatoid arthritis