Health · Medical Research · 1 day ago
Low-glutamate diet may ease symptoms of Gulf War Illness, researchers say
Researchers at American University are testing whether a low-glutamate diet can ease symptoms of Gulf War Illness in veterans.
The condition can involve joint problems, severe fatigue and changes in mood and thinking.
Glutamate is made by the body and is also found in foods, including as the flavor enhancer MSG.
In 2024, veteran Deb Mariya joined an experimental trial after decades of PTSD, fibromyalgia and brain fog following her deployment to Kuwait in 1991.
She said that after a month on the diet, her brain fog eased and she recovered quickly from surgery.
Since 2020, hundreds of veterans have tried the program, and the researchers say up to 80% report improvements in symptoms such as pain, anxiety and cognitive function.
The findings suggest the diet may help, but the trial is still testing its effects.
A clinical trial for veterans is testing whether a low-glutamate diet can ease symptoms associated with Gulf War Illness.
Retired Navy chaplain Deb Mariya said her brain fog lifted and her recovery improved after she followed the diet for a month.
Kathleen Holton, a nutritional neuroscientist at American University, has led a diet program for veterans since 2020.
Holton’s team reports that as many as 80% of participants see improvements, based on self-reports and data collected by the team.
Glutamate occurs naturally in the body and in foods, and is also used as an additive, commonly as monosodium glutamate (MSG).
The FDA considers MSG safe, while researchers study how excessive glutamate activity may damage nerve cells.
- Who
- Veterans with Gulf War Illness; the diet program is led by Kathleen Holton.
- What
- An experimental low-glutamate diet is being studied for its potential to ease Gulf War Illness symptoms.
- When
- The diet program began in 2020; Mariya joined a clinical trial in 2024.
- Where
- American University in Washington, DC.
- Why
- Researchers are testing whether reducing glutamate can alleviate neurological and other symptoms.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
I couldn't believe it. It was like an answer from God.
The people who go onto this diet usually don't come off it due to how much better they feel,
Glutamate is really the ultimate flavor enhancer in the diet,
This story does not have a timeline yet.
- Diet program
- Led by Kathleen Holton at American University in Washington, DC, since 2020.
- Reported improvements
- As many as 80% of participants reportedly improved, according to self-reports and data collected by Holton’s team.
- Mariya’s trial
- She enrolled in 2024 and followed the low-glutamate diet for a month.
- First study
- Holton published a 2020 study of the diet for pain management involving 40 veterans.
- MSG
- Monosodium glutamate is a commonly used form of glutamate additive; the FDA considers MSG safe.
Sources
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