The Effect of a Low-nickel Diet and Nickel Sensitization on Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease: A Pilot Study

Background/aims: Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a common medical condition, frequently refractory to medical therapy. Nickel is a leading cause of allergic contact dermatitis. Although nickel is widely found in foods, the effect of nickel on GERD is unknown. This pilot study sought to evaluate the effect of a low-nickel diet on GERD and determine if epicutaneous patch testing to nickel could predict responsiveness to a low-nickel diet.

Methods: This prospective, single-site pilot study recruited 20 refractory GERD patients as determined by GERD Health-Related Quality of Life (GERD-HRQL) scores. All patients had epicutaneous patch testing for nickel and were then instructed to follow a low-nickel diet for 8 weeks regardless of patch test results. GERD-HRQL was recorded at baseline and following 8 weeks of a low-nickel diet. Demographic and clinical data associated with GERD and nickel allergy were recorded. A Wilcoxon signed-rank test and nonparametric analysis of longitudinal data were run to determine statistical significance in pre- and post- GERD-HRQL scores in nickel patch test-positive and negative groups.

Results: Nearly all (19/20 [95%]) participants reported reduced GERD symptoms after 8 weeks on a low-nickel diet. Mean total GERD-HRQL, regurgitation, and heartburn scores declined (27.05 ± 16.04, 11.45 ± 6.46, 10.85 ± 8.29). Participants with positive vs. negative patch testing to nickel responded equivalently to a low-nickel diet.

Conclusions: A low-nickel diet improves GERD symptoms, but responsiveness to a low-nickel diet does not correlate with epicutaneous patch testing to nickel.

Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov number: NCT03720756.