Food allergy in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.

Three hundred patients of the Swiss Rheumatoid Arthritis Patient Union were asked by questionnaire whether they had any adverse reaction from food. Of the 159 replies 52 gave a positive history. Thirty-five patients could be further evaluated. Six patients, who gave the most typical history of allergy, were investigated clinically, with laboratory tests and technetium-scintigramme after food challenge. There was no sign of an immunologic reaction in any of the measured parameters. The other patients were interviewed a second time with an extensive allergological questionnaire. None of the food intolerances could be substantiated.