(P25-026-24) The Low Glutamate Diet Improves Sleep and Cognition in Veterans With Gulf War Illness

Objectives: The low glutamate diet aims to reduce excitotoxicity caused by excessive glutamatergic neurotransmission, which has been associated with many neurological symptoms including sleep disruption and cognitive impairment. The aim of this research is to evaluate preliminary data from an ongoing phase III clinical trial examining the effects of the low glutamate diet on sleep and cognitive changes after one month on the low glutamate diet in veterans with Gulf War Illness (GWI).

Methods: All measures were collected at baseline and after one month on the low glutamate diet. The Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) was used to measure to sleep quality, and cognition was assessed using CNS Vital Signs (CNSVS) software. Dietary adherence was measured using an excitotoxin food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) and blood samples were collected to analyze change in plasma glutamate levels. R Studio was used for data analysis, using p< 0.05 for significance. Paired t-tests or Wilcoxon signed rank tests were used to assess pre-post changes (depending on normality of the data).

Results: Participants showed evidence of strong adherence to the low glutamate diet with a reduction in mean FFQ scores (45 pre-diet to 5 post-diet (p < 0.001)). Plasma glutamate levels were also marginally reduced (from 10.1 to 8.2, p=0.06). After one month on the low glutamate diet, PSQI scores were significantly reduced (p < 0.001), indicating improved sleep quality. Cognitive performance was also significantly improved based on the neurocognitive index (NCI) scores, with a mean score increase of 12 points (p=0.004).

Conclusions: Consistent with previous findings, these preliminary results show that the low glutamate diet improved sleep and overall cognitive function in veterans with GWI. These findings will be updated and expanded as more data is collected.

Funding Sources: Department of Defense