AHS16 - Ancestral Health Symposium 2016

With this pilot study, we wanted to investigate feasibility of a web-based cross-over diet intervention in the normal population. The effects on physical and psychological symptoms were the secondary outcomes. 36 Participants were recruited to follow both the paleo diet and the Dutch consensus diet during four weeks in randomized order. Participants were representative for the Dutch population, except the higher percentage of females and higher educated participants. 75% Of recruited participants completed the study. Compliance to the diets was reasonable. Results on physical and psychological symptoms suggest that a paleo diet might result in greater reduction in physical symptoms as well as symptoms of depression, anxiety and stress compared to the Dutch consensus diet. Power calculations suggest that study groups of 50-100 are needed to show significant differences. A larger future study should confirm these results and investigate the mechanisms through which a paleo diet might reduce physical and psychological symptoms.