Non-Ketogenic, Low Carbohydrate Diet Predicts Lower Affective Distress, Higher Energy Levels and Decreased Fibromyalgia Symptoms in Middle-Aged Females with Fibromyalgia Syndrome as Compared to the Western Pattern Diet

Abstract Objectives: This study was conducted to assess the association between a non-ketogenic, low-carbohydrate diet [NKLCD] and symptoms of fibromyalgia syndrome [FMS], mood and energy levels, and confusion, as compared to controls reporting adherence to the Western Pattern Diet [WPD]. Methods: Participants were 33 middle-aged females with FMS who reported adherence to a NKLCD or the WPD. Respondents completed a questionnaire packet measuring state and trait mood and energy level as well as a measure of FMS symptoms and daily functioning. Results: The NKLCD sample reported less affective distress, less Confusion, less Fatigue and more Vigor than the WPD sample on the Profile of Mood States. Group scores for the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scales showed lower Anxiety and Depression scores for the NKLCD sample. The NKLCD sample showed lowered symptom scores on the Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire. Morbidity was significantly reduced for all measures in the NKLCD sample. Conclusions: Results support hypotheses of less dysphoria, more energy, decreased FMS symptomatology in a NKLCD sample versus the WPD group. Results suggest the potential for development of a dietary intervention for managing affective and functional symptoms of this syndrome.