Nutritional Factors Linked With Sjögren’s Syndrome
Sjögren’s syndrome is an autoimmune condition in which the immune system targets the body’s moisture-producing glands. While dry eyes and dry mouth are the most familiar symptoms, the condition can also involve the gastrointestinal tract, kidneys, blood vessels, lungs, liver, pancreas, and even the central nervous system. Many patients experience significant fatigue and joint pain, and there is a higher-than-average risk of lymphoma. In the U.S., an estimated 4 million people are affected.
Hormones and Sjögren’s
Low levels of certain sex hormones — including DHEA — have been observed in individuals with Sjögren’s syndrome and may correlate with symptom severity.
A double-blind, placebo-controlled trial published in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism (Mar 24, 2009; epub ahead of print) tested DHEA supplementation over nine months. Participants with primary Sjögren’s had low baseline DHEA and DHEA-S levels. Supplementation successfully increased those levels and was associated with improvements in dry-mouth symptoms.
Fatty Acids and Cell-Membrane Health
Omega-3 status may also play a role. Research in Prostaglandins, Leukotrienes and Essential Fatty Acids (1998;59(4):239–245) found that lower DHA levels in cell membranes were linked with more severe symptoms in primary Sjögren’s syndrome.
Primary Sjögren’s occurs without another autoimmune diagnosis; about half of all patients have “primary” disease, while the other half have Sjögren’s in combination with a second autoimmune condition.
These findings suggest that hormonal status and fatty-acid composition may influence symptom severity in some individuals with Sjögren’s syndrome. More research is needed to clarify whether nutritional or hormonal support can play a consistent adjunctive role alongside conventional care.
