About this trial
This clinical trial aims to confirm previous findings from a smaller study which demonstrated significant improvements in all symptoms among veterans with Gulf War Illness after one month on the dietary intervention. The main objectives of this study are: 1) to confirm previous findings of treatment response to the diet in a larger and more diverse group; 2) to examine how changes in the nervous system may be the reason for improvement; and 3) to identify markers which change in the blood after one month on the diet. Participants will have baseline measures collected and then will be randomized into the intervention or wait-listed control group, which they will follow for one month before being reassessed.
Eligibility criteria
Qualifiers
Males and Females of all races and ethnicities who are ≤75 yrs of age
Served in the 1990-1991 Persian Gulf War
Fulfill both Center for Disease Control (CDC) and Kansas definitions of Gulf War Illness
Stable medication regimen for ≥1 month and willing to keep medications and supplements stable throughout study participation
Disqualifiers
Recent substance use disorder (past year)
Unwilling to stop using alcohol, tobacco (including vaping) and/or marijuana; or unwilling to change diet
Diagnosed seizure disorder or severe asthma requiring past hospitalization
Currently taking medication which affects glutamatergic or GABAergic neurotransmission (but can work with their physician to wean off of these medications prior to participating)
Trial design
Treatments tested in this trial
- Dietary Intervention
Treatment groups
Sponsors and collaborators
American University
Lead sponsor
Boston University
Collaborator
Massachusetts General Hospital
Collaborator
Georgetown University
Collaborator
Nova Southeastern University
Collaborator