Autoimmune Protocol Diet - Does It Work?

Autoimmune Protocol Diet - Does It Work?

Three small non-randomized studies of adults (mostly women) with either Hashimoto thyroiditis, Crohn’s Disease (CD) or ulcerative colitis (UC) found that following the AIP diet for 10 to 12 weeks improved symptoms (e.g. reduced fatigue and gastrointestinal symptoms) and improved quality of life (e.g. ability to participate in leisure activities). One severe adverse event (e.g. small bowel obstruction) was reported in the study involving individuals with IBD but there were no severe adverse events in the studies involving individuals with Hashimoto thyroiditis. Results may be limited by small sample size, short duration, lack of randomization or use of a control group and may be confounded by non-diet related components of the interventions (e.g. social support, stress management, sleep hygiene). Findings may not be generalizable beyond young women.

Grade of Evidence C

The AIP diet is a modified version of the Paleolithic diet and generally involves the elimination of grains, legumes, nightshades, dairy, eggs, coffee, alcohol, nuts and seeds, refined sugars, oils and food additives from the diet due to their potential to cause inflammation and negatively impact the functioning of the immune system. These foods may be slowly reintroduced as tolerated by the individual.

Hashimoto thyroiditis is the chronic, autoimmune inflammation of the thyroid that is typically characterized by fatigue, weight gain, intolerance to cold and other symptoms of hypothyroidism. 

See Additional Content:

Is there a specific diet that individuals with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) should follow?

Should a dairy-free diet be recommended to individuals with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)?

Should a low FODMAP diet be recommended to individuals with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)?

What impact does a Paleolithic diet have on the glucose metabolism and lipid profile of adults with metabolic disorders?

What effect does a Paleolithic diet have on satiety, body weight and body composition?

Endocrine and Metabolic - Thyroid Knowledge Pathway.

COVID-19: Are You Up to Date?

Do you know the answers to these questions?

• What dietary recommendations are effective for reducing the risk or severity of COVID-19 infection?
• Is vitamin D recommended for treating COVID-19?
• What dietary recommendations (including sodium and fluid) are effective for the treatment of adults with postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS), including POTS as a complication post-COVID-19 syndrome (long COVID)?
• What diet or supplements can improve symptoms in individuals with myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS), including ME/CFS related to post-COVID-19 syndrome (long COVID)?

To find out, see these practice questions in full or for a condensed version, see the COVID-19 Summary of Recommendations and Evidence.

Looking for more information? See the:

• Covid-19 and Nutrition Background
• COVID-19 Related Tools & Resources.

Antioxidant Supplements and CVD: To Recommend or Not?

{We_suggest} not taking antioxidant nutrient supplements (e.g. combinations of two or more of the following: vitamin C, vitamin E, vitamin A, beta-carotene, selenium, zinc) for cardiovascular disease (CVD) prevention or treatment.

{We_suggest} not taking vitamin C supplements alone for cardiovascular disease prevention or treatment.

Conditional recommendation | Moderate quality evidence ⊕⊕⊕o

Remarks

The conditional recommendation against taking antioxidant supplements and vitamin C supplements is based on moderate quality evidence that showed no benefits of these supplements on the risk of CVD, coronary heart disease (CHD), myocardial infarction (MI) or stroke in generally healthy adults and those at high CVD risk. Beta-carotene supplements and vitamin A with or without other nutrients may be associated with a small increase in death from any cause. No evidence was included on other client-important outcomes (e.g. health-related quality of life or functional status). Research on costs was not included; however, there would be costs for the individual to purchase supplements if they were recommended.  

Research about the benefits and harms of vitamin supplementation in equity-seeking groups is needed.

To see the full practice question, including the Evidence and References, click here.

Interested in more updated practice questions on supplementation? Check out these recently updated ones:

• Are B-vitamin supplements (e.g. vitamin B complex, niacin, folic acid) recommended for the prevention or treatment of cardiovascular disease (CVD)?
• Are vitamin D and/or calcium supplements recommended for the prevention or treatment of cardiovascular disease (CVD)?
• What is the safety and efficacy of multivitamin/mineral use for chronic disease prevention in healthy adults?
• Is vitamin D recommended for treating COVID-19?
• Does anthocyanin supplementation affect cognitive function in healthy older adults or adults (≥40 years) with mild to moderate cognitive impairments?
• What are the considerations related to vitamin B12 status in individuals with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)?
• What vitamins, minerals, trace elements, fatty acids and antioxidants improve glycemic control in adults with type 2 diabetes?

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• Alcohol
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• Women's Health - Pregnancy - Hypertension.

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• Cardiovascular Disease Summary of Recommendations and Evidence
• Nutrient Requirements and Recommendations - Vitamins and Minerals Summary of Recommendations and Evidence
• COVID-19 and Nutrition Summary of Recommendations and Evidence
• Functional Food/Nutraceuticals - Coconut Summary of Recommendations and Evidence
• Gerontology Summary of Recommendations and Evidence.