The Effect of Gluten Free Diet on Components of Metabolic Syndrome: A Randomized Clinical Trial

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to assess the effects of Gluten free diet (GFD) on components of metabolic syndrome (MES). MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this randomized clinical trial, 50 subjects diagnosed with MES were randomly divided into two groups (n=25). The first group received a GFD and the second group continued their regular diet. Biochemical markers of MES and blood pressure were measured before and after 8-week intervention. RESULTS: Forty five subjects completed the study. A post-hoc comparison of the groups showed no effects of the GFD and control diet on LDL cholesterol, total cholesterol, fasting insulin, HOMA-IR, systolic and diastolic blood pressure levels. The GFD reduced fasting blood glucose, waist circumference (WC) and serum triglyceride concentration significantly compared with the control diet (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: Short-term GFD reduced WC and improved glycemic control and Triglyceride level in subjects with the metabolic syndrome.