Fasting‑Mimicking Diet Reduces Inflammatory Marker in Periodontitis Trial

A pilot study involving 28 participants across five Spanish universities examined whether a fasting‑mimicking diet (FMD) could influence inflammation after non‑surgical treatment for periodontitis. Participants were randomly assigned to a control group that received usual dietary advice, or to an intervention group that followed three five‑day FMD cycles at treatment day, day 45 and day 85.

Both groups showed marked improvements in standard periodontal measures such as plaque scores, bleeding and pocket depth. However, the FMD group displayed a pronounced decline in the blood inflammatory marker high‑sensitivity C‑reactive protein (hs‑CRP), whereas the control group’s hs‑CRP levels remained largely unchanged. No statistically significant advantage was observed for clinical periodontal outcomes, and the study noted its limited size and lack of verification that participants fully adhered to the diet.

The researchers conclude that while FMD may attenuate systemic inflammation linked to periodontitis, larger, controlled trials are needed before recommending it as a routine adjunct to periodontal therapy.