RT Journal Article SR Electronic T1 Food intolerance in rheumatoid arthritis. I. A double blind, controlled trial of the clinical effects of elimination of milk allergens and azo dyes. JF Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases JO Ann Rheum Dis FD BMJ Publishing Group Ltd and European League Against Rheumatism SP 298 OP 302 DO 10.1136/ard.51.3.298 VO 51 IS 3 A1 van de Laar, M A A1 van der Korst, J K YR 1992 UL http://ard.bmj.com/content/51/3/298.abstract AB The hypothetically negative influence of food on the clinical activity of seropositive rheumatoid arthritis was studied using two types of artificial elementary food. One diet was allergen free, the other allergen restricted, containing only lactoproteins and yellow dyes. Ninety four patients entered the study, which lasted 12 weeks. During the second four week period they were randomly assigned to one of the two artificial foods. Comparison between baseline and subsequent periods showed only subjective improvements. No differences were seen between the clinical effects of the two tested diets. Nine patients (three in the allergen restricted group, six in the allergen free group) showed favourable responses, followed by marked disease exacerbation during rechallenge. Dietary manipulation also brought about changes in objective disease activity parameters in these patients. The existence of a subgroup of patients in whom food intolerance influences the activity of rheumatoid factor seropositive rheumatoid arthritis deserves serious consideration.