1. Nutritional measures with potential benefits for SLE (1) Caloric restriction Studies in murine models of SLE have shown that caloric restriction delays the onset of nephritis, prolongs survival in lupus rats, and has a profound effect on disease progression. Caloric restriction curtailed the reduction of CD4+ T lymphocytes and CD8+ T lymphocytes. Caloric restriction also suppressed the elevation of immunoglobulins (IgA and IgG2). The production of cytokines such as gamma-interferon, IL-10 and IL C 12 is reduced. (2) Low-protein diet Both human and experimental animal studies have confirmed that high protein intake is associated with accelerated renal damage. Low-protein diet has been one of the therapeutic measures for renal failure. Studies have confirmed that low-protein diets can slow the decline in glomerular filtration rate. Restriction of different proteins may have different effects, and studies have found that a casein-free diet prolongs the survival cycle of rats, with a reduction in both the production of anti-DNA antibodies and the development of nephritis. (3) Fat intake Over the past 20 years, there has been a great deal of research on fatty acids and their role in inflammation. Omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids are considered essential fatty acids, meaning that they are critical to human health but cannot be synthesized in the body and must be obtained from food. Both fatty acids are important for maintaining brain function as well as normal growth and development. omega-3 fatty acids have anti-inflammatory, anti-arrhythmic, and anti-thrombotic properties. ω-6 fatty acids have pro-inflammatory and pro-thrombotic effects. ω-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids are more abundant in fish oil and flaxseed and walnuts. Fish oil supplementation reduced the production of IL-5 and IL-10 in lupus rats. ω-3 reduced the production of anti-ds-DNA and circulating immune complexes. Flaxseed oil has reduced anti-ds-DNA, antiphospholipid antibodies and severe nephritis in lupus rats, and is stronger than fish oil. Fish oil also has the effect of reducing inflammatory factors such as IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α and increasing the expression of antioxidant enzyme genes. However, fish oil supplementation had no significant effect on anti-ds-DNA, proteinuria and disease activity in human clinical trials. Vitamin E is controversial in the treatment of SLE, and vitamin A is not recommended. (4) Dehydroepiandrosterone Androgenic hormones have a natural suppressive effect on the immune system. Dehydroepiandrosterone is a weak androgen, an intermediate product of testosterone synthesis. Animal studies have shown that dehydroepiandrosterone produces similar results to caloric restriction and can reduce antibody production and prolong survival. In a double-blind, placebo-controlled study of 28 women with SLE applying dehydroepiandrosterone (200 mg/d for 3 months), there was less rebound of disease, lower disease activity index, reduced prednisone dosage, and the main side effect was mild acne. 2. Substances potentially detrimental to SLE (1) Iron ions Iron is necessary for the production of red blood cells and daily requirements can usually be met through the daily diet. An animal study showed that high levels of iron intake (7 times the daily requirement) caused more proteinuria. Renal histopathological damage was also more severe in iron-supplemented rats than in controls. In addition, circulating immune complexes were significantly higher in the serum of severely iron-deficient lupus mice than in control mice. This suggests that altered serum iron concentrations can worsen the disease in lupus mice. (2) Alfalfa Alfalfa is a perennial herb that can grow in a variety of climatic conditions. Three of five macaques fed alfalfa seeds showed positive antinuclear antibodies, positive Coomb~s, reduced complement and positive anti-ds-DNA, and one developed immune complex glomerulonephritis. two lupus patients who ingested alfalfa also showed worsening of symptoms.