The Impacts of Gluten Free Diet on Disease Activity, Quality of Life and Intestinal Permeability in Patients Diagnosed With Ankylosing Spondylitis.
Subclinical intestinal inflammation and intestinal permeability have been reported in patients with ankylosing spondylitis. Gluten is one of the main triggers of zonulin releaseand gluten intake may contribute to the development of the disease by increasing intestinal permeability. This study aims to determine the impacts of a gluten-freediet on intestinal permeability, sub-clinical intestinal inflammation, disease activity, functional status and quality of life in patients with ankylosing spondylitis. The main questions it aims to answer are: Does a gluten-free diet have an effect on disease activity and functional status in patients with ankylosing spondylitis? Does a gluten-free diet have an effect on intestinal permeability and subclinical intestinal inflammation in patients with ankylosing spondylitis? The investigators will evaluate the effects of the gluten-free diet compared to a control group.
• diagnosis of axial SpA defined by ASAS criteria
• Adults (aged 18-64 years)
• stable treatment (NSAID and/or DMARD) for at least 3 months
• provide written informed consent and submit to the requirements of the study