Dietary intervention in chronic fatigue syndrome.
BACKGROUND
Anecdotal reports and books have been published linking an over growth of Candida Albicans with chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), suggesting dietary change as a treatment option. Little scientific data has been published to validate this controversial theory. This study aims to determine the efficacy of dietary intervention on level of fatigue and quality of life (QoL) in individuals with CFS.


METHODS
A 24-week randomized intervention study was conducted with 52 individuals diagnosed with CFS. Patients were randomized to either a low sugar low yeast (LSLY) or healthy eating (HE) dietary interventions. Primary outcome measures were fatigue as measured by the Chalder Fatigue Score and QoL measured by Medical Outcomes Survey Short Form-36.


RESULTS
A high drop out rate occurred with 13 participants not completing the final evaluation (7HE/6LSLY). Intention to treat analysis showed no statistically significant differences on primary outcome measurements.


CONCLUSIONS
In this randomized control trial, a LSLY diet appeared to be no more efficacious on levels of fatigue or QoL compared to HE. Given the difficulty with dietary compliance experienced by participants, especially in the LSLY group, it would appear HE guidance is a more pragmatic approach than advocating a complicated dietary regime.
Hobday
R A
RA
Infection and Immunity Speciality Group, St Bartholomew's Hospital, West Smithfield, London, UK. rhonahobday@yahoo.co.uk
Thomas
S
S
O'Donovan
A
A
Murphy
M
M
Pinching
A J
AJ
D000328:Adult; D001007:Anxiety / Q000453:epidemiology; D002176:Candida albicans / Q000254:growth & development; D002177:Candidiasis / Q000150:complications* / Q000178:diet therapy*; D003863:Depression / Q000453:epidemiology; D004040:Dietary Carbohydrates / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D015673:Fatigue Syndrome, Chronic / Q000178:diet therapy* / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011788:Quality of Life; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D004040:Dietary Carbohydrates