Ongoing and Forthcoming Research on the Autoimmune Protocol
Expanding the Evidence: Where AIP Research Is Headed Next
In the past decade, the Autoimmune Protocol (AIP) has gained momentum in clinical research, moving from patient-driven experimentation to a growing body of peer-reviewed evidence. Published studies in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, and rheumatoid arthritis demonstrate that AIP is safe, feasible, and capable of reducing symptoms, improving quality of life, and even supporting remission in some cases.
The next phase of research is even more promising. Several ongoing and forthcoming studies are expanding AIP beyond gut and thyroid health into skin, neuromuscular, and kidney-related conditions. These investigations reflect a larger shift in autoimmune research: rather than debating whether diet influences autoimmune symptoms, scientists are now exploring how broadly these impacts extend across disease categories.
This article highlights the ongoing and upcoming areas of AIP research, what each study aims to evaluate, and why these efforts represent an important evolution in autoimmune care.
At a Glance: The Next Phase of AIP Research
- AIP has evolved from grassroots experimentation to peer-reviewed clinical research, with published studies in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, and rheumatoid arthritis.
- New investigations are expanding AIP into skin, neuromuscular, and kidney-related conditions, reflecting growing scientific interest in dietary intervention across autoimmune and inflammatory diseases.
- Several trials are completed, underway, or in early planning, including research in eczema, psoriasis, myasthenia gravis, and chronic kidney disease.
- These efforts signal a broader shift in autoimmune care, recognizing nutrition and lifestyle interventions as structured, research-worthy components of comprehensive treatment.
From Anecdote to Emerging Evidence
AIP began as a grassroots, patient-led approach—an experiment driven by individuals searching for relief from chronic symptoms. Over time, its consistent patterns of benefit attracted the attention of researchers. Today, AIP is recognized as a structured nutrition and lifestyle intervention worthy of scientific study.
As published evidence grows, researchers are expanding their focus beyond traditional autoimmune diseases to test AIP’s effects in conditions influenced by inflammation, immune dysregulation, or tissue-specific autoimmunity. These new studies may help clarify mechanisms, identify who benefits most, and broaden AIP’s role within integrative healthcare.
Below is a look at the current landscape of ongoing and forthcoming AIP research.
Eczema and Psoriasis
One of the earliest expansions of AIP research beyond gastrointestinal and thyroid disease focuses on two chronic inflammatory skin conditions: eczema and psoriasis.
Both conditions involve immune dysregulation, inflammatory signaling pathways, and impaired barrier function. Patients often experience significant quality-of-life impact due to itching, visible lesions, and unpredictable flares.
Study Status
A prospective study examining the Autoimmune Protocol in individuals with eczema and psoriasis was completed in 2020. Publication has been delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic and related research disruptions. Final analysis and peer review are still pending.
Because the full manuscript has not yet been published, detailed methodology, statistical outcomes, and clinical findings are not currently available for review.
Study Focus
The study was designed to evaluate the feasibility and potential impact of implementing AIP in chronic inflammatory skin conditions. Areas of interest included:
- Changes in skin symptom severity
- Patient-reported quality of life
- Practical implementation using a structured transition model
Further details will become clearer once the study completes peer review and publication.
Why This Study Matters
If published, this research would represent the first formal clinical evaluation of AIP in dermatologic autoimmune and inflammatory conditions. Regardless of outcome, it marks an important step in expanding AIP research beyond gastrointestinal and thyroid disease into immune-mediated skin health.
Formal publication will be necessary to determine clinical relevance, statistical significance, and implications for future trials.
Myasthenia Gravis (MG)
Myasthenia Gravis is a rare autoimmune neuromuscular disease characterized by fluctuating muscle weakness, fatigue, and impaired nerve signaling. Many patients rely on long-term immunosuppressants, which carry significant side effects.
Study Status
Research exploring the Autoimmune Protocol in myasthenia gravis (MG) is currently in the early planning stages. If launched, the proposed trial would be among the first structured dietary interventions formally studied in this rare neuromuscular autoimmune disease. At present, investigators are refining study design, feasibility considerations, and outcome measures.
Areas of Investigation
The research team aims to evaluate whether implementing AIP may influence several clinically relevant domains, including:
- Daily symptom burden
- Muscle endurance and functional capacity
- Patient-reported fatigue and quality of life
- Medication requirements, when appropriate and under medical supervision
Why This Study Matters
Myasthenia gravis is a rare autoimmune condition with limited research on non-pharmacologic interventions. Most patients rely heavily on immunosuppressive therapies, which can carry significant long-term side effects. This proposed study represents an important expansion of AIP research into neuromuscular autoimmunity.
Even early feasibility data could provide meaningful insight into whether a structured nutrition and lifestyle intervention is practical, safe, and tolerable for individuals living with MG. Regardless of outcome, the study would contribute to a growing body of research exploring how dietary strategies may complement conventional autoimmune care.
Kidney Disease
Researchers at the UCLA Center for Health Sciences are currently conducting a clinical trial evaluating the Autoimmune Protocol (AIP) diet in individuals with IgA nephropathy (IgAN), a form of chronic kidney disease characterized by immune-mediated inflammation and protein loss in the urine (proteinuria). This study is part of a broader effort to examine whether structured dietary interventions can influence inflammatory processes that contribute to kidney dysfunction.
IgA nephropathy is not always classified as a traditional autoimmune disease, but immune activation and chronic inflammation are central drivers of its progression. Proteinuria—excess protein in the urine—is a key marker of kidney injury and is associated with a higher risk of declining kidney function over time.
Study Status
The AIP diet intervention trial (ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT07022574) is active and enrolling participants. The study plans to recruit adults aged 18–65 diagnosed with IgA nephropathy and evidence of proteinuria to follow the AIP dietary framework over a six-month intervention period.
Participants begin with an elimination phase that removes dietary components thought to contribute to inflammation—such as dairy, grains, legumes, nightshades, and added sugars—followed by a structured reintroduction phase. Throughout the study, participants monitor urine protein levels at home, maintain food logs, and attend regular clinical visits for laboratory assessments.
Areas of Investigation
The research team is evaluating whether the AIP diet may influence several measures related to kidney and overall health, including:
- Systemic markers of inflammation and immune activity
- Kidney function biomarkers such as proteinuria
- Metabolic and cardiovascular risk factors
- Patient-reported outcomes, including symptom burden and quality of life
Why This Study Matters
This investigation represents a meaningful extension of AIP research into organ-specific chronic disease beyond classical autoimmune categories. By focusing on IgA nephropathy—a condition with significant unmet needs and limited non-pharmacologic treatment options—the trial explores whether dietary patterns targeting inflammation and immune regulation may have relevance for kidney health.
As obesity, metabolic dysfunction, and inflammatory dysregulation increasingly intersect with chronic kidney disease risk, studies like this help clarify whether structured nutrition interventions can serve as practical adjuncts to conventional care. The exploratory nature of the trial prioritizes feasibility and signal detection, laying groundwork for future research into diet’s potential role in kidney disease progression and patient outcomes.
Conclusion
The next phase of AIP research marks an exciting turning point. Published studies have already demonstrated benefits for inflammatory bowel disease, Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, and rheumatoid arthritis. Now, new investigations are poised to expand our understanding of AIP’s potential across other autoimmune and inflammatory conditions.
Current and forthcoming studies include:
- A completed trial in eczema and psoriasis, awaiting publication
- A planned study in myasthenia gravis, expanding AIP research into rare disease
- An active study at UCLA evaluating AIP for kidney disease
Together, these efforts reflect a broader shift in autoimmune and inflammatory research: AIP is no longer confined to anecdotal success or single-disease pilot studies. It is emerging as an evidence-based, multifaceted intervention worthy of rigorous evaluation in diverse clinical settings.
For patients, this expanding research landscape offers new hope for integrative tools that support symptom management and overall health. For clinicians, it provides an evolving evidence base to guide personalized, patient-centered care. And for the scientific community, it marks a step toward a future where nutrition and lifestyle interventions are taken seriously as part of comprehensive autoimmune treatment strategies.
Looking for guidance on implementing AIP?
The free AIP Foundation Series gives you 60+ pages of downloadable materials, including Core & Modified AIP food lists, meal plans, and everything you need to begin your journey.
