Approximately 1.3 million Americans develop rheumatoid arthritis each year, according to Eric Newman and Cynthia Matzko, authors of the book "Rheumatoid Arthritis FAQs." Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic autoimmune disorder that causes joint redness, pain, inflammation and stiffness. Over time, rheumatoid arthritis can lead to permanent joint deterioration and limited mobility. Treatment generally consists of medication, exercise and a healthy diet. A variety of vitamins can relieve joint discomfort and improve your condition. It is important to contact a medical professional before taking vitamin supplements for rheumatoid arthritis.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C is a water-soluble antioxidant that strengthens your immune system and protects your joints from permanent damage, according to Earl Brewer and Kathy Angel, authors of the book "The Arthritis Sourcebook." Brewer and Angel explain that vitamin C also reduces joint inflammation, repairs collagen fibers and connective tissues, relieves joint pain and stiffness, aids in the healing process and hydrates joint tissues. The recommended daily dosage for vitamin C is 1,000 mg for adults. Foods rich in vitamin C include cranberries, blackberries, strawberries, grapefruits, lemons, oranges, kiwi, tomatoes, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, spinach and kale.
Vitamin D
Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin that boosts immune system function and protects your body against environmental toxins that can trigger or worsen rheumatoid arthritis, notes Barbara Stokes and Antoine Helewa, authors of the book "Arthritis: How to Stay Active and Relieve Your Pain." Stokes and Helewa report that vitamin D also repairs damaged joints, prevents bone loss, helps your body absorbs calcium, supports healthy bones and eases arthritis symptoms. The recommended daily dosage for vitamin D is 15 mcg for adults. Foods rich in vitamin D include salmon, mackerel, margarine, sardines, milk, beef liver, eggs, ready-to-eat cereals, fortified yogurt, fortified orange juice, tuna and Swiss cheese.
Vitamin E
Vitamin E is a fat-soluble antioxidant that improves immune system function and protects your joints from damaging free radicals, according to Lee McDowell, author of the book "Vitamins in Animal and Human Nutrition." McDowell explains that vitamin E also improves blood circulation, decreases joint inflammation, eases joint pain, lubricates your joints, accelerates healing and repairs damaged joints. The recommended daily dosage for vitamin E is 15 mg for adults. Foods rich in vitamin E include dry roasted almonds, corn oil, broccoli, soybean oil, sunflower seeds, spinach, peanuts, peanut butter, tomatoes, mangoes and kiwi.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Omega-3 fatty acids are healthy unsaturated fats that can reduce inflammation, ease joint pain, alleviate morning stiffness and decrease the amount of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications needed to treat rheumatoid arthritis, according to Evelyn Tribole, author of the book "Ultimate Omega-3 Diet." The recommended daily dosage for omega-3 fatty acids is 400 mg for adults. Foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids include flaxseeds, walnuts, halibut, tofu, snapper, salmon, scallops, soybeans, anchovies, herring, mackerel and sardines.
References
- "Rheumatoid Arthritis FAQs"; Eric Newman and Cynthia Matzko; 2007
- "The Arthritis Sourcebook"; Earl J. Brewer and Kathy Angel; 2000
- "Arthritis: How to Stay Active and Relieve Your Pain"; Barbara Stokes and Antoine Helewa; 2007
- "Living with Rheumatoid Arthritis"; Tammi L. Shlotzhauer, M.D., James L. McGuire, M.D. and Carol M. Ziminski, M.D.; 2003
- "Vitamins in Animal and Human Nutrition"; Lee R. McDowell; 2008
- "Ultimate Omega-3 Diet"; Evelyn Tribole; 2007
