RMD Open. 2026 Feb 16;12(1):e006036. doi: 10.1136/rmdopen-2025-006036.
ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: To assess the impact of medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) and fibre on health-related quality of life (QOL), morning stiffness and pain in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients.
METHODS: A randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial enrolled 61 RA patients on stable drug treatment. Participants received twice-daily MCT supplementation (30 g/day) for 8 weeks, followed by 8 weeks of MCTs (30 g/day) combined with fibre (30 g/day). The control group received the same supplementation as the test group, with long-chain triglycerides instead of MCTs. QOL parameters, morning stiffness, pain intensity and lipid profile were assessed at baseline (T0), week 8 (T2) and week 16 (T4).
RESULTS: After 16 weeks, the test group showed statistically and clinically significant improvements both in mental and physical health-related scores. MCT consumption significantly ameliorated mental health, emotional well-being, social behaviour and vitality (measured using 36-Item Short Form Survey) from baseline to T4 and relative to control. An increased motivation, as assessed with the Multidimensional Fatigue Inventory-20 questionnaire, was reported as well. Regular intake of MCTs significantly reduced the intensity and duration of morning stiffness and pain intensity (assessed using the Visual Analogue Scale) from baseline to T4 compared with control group. Reported effects were maintained after adding fibre to supplementation. Baseline blood lipid profile showed no significant differences.
CONCLUSIONS: Patients with RA supplemented with MCTs obtained significant improvements in several health-related QOL components compared to control, and fibre inclusion did not interfere with MCT efficacy. These results underscore the importance of targeted non-pharmacological approaches integrated to drug therapy in managing patients with RA.
TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: DRKS00025413.
PMID:41698796 | DOI:10.1136/rmdopen-2025-006036
