Rheumatoid arthritis, or RA, is a painful and often debilitating condition that causes extreme joint pain and inflammation. Although its cause is unknown, scientists continue to study the role of diet, including nutrients like vitamin C, on the progression and management of this disease.
Disease Prevention
The results of a 2004 study published in the "Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases" suggested a relationship between RA prevention and vitamin C. Researchers looked at the diet habits of more than 23,000 adults, and concluded those with low levels of vitamin C were three times more likely to develop RA than those whose diets included sufficient vitamin C levels.
Vitamin Deficiencies and RA
The most commonly observed vitamin deficiencies in RA patients, according to The Johns Hopkins Arthritis Center, are vitamins C, D, B-6, B-12 and E. Although the reason for these deficiencies remains unclear, it is best to boost your levels of these vitamins via food rather than supplements. If food alone does not solve your deficiency, supplementation may be necessary.
Healthy Diet
The Johns Hopkins Arthritis Center references the fourth edition of "Nutrition and Your Health: Dietary Guidelines for Americans" when doling out dietary advice for RA patients. The main goal for RA patients is to eat a balanced diet that includes whole grains, low-fat dairy and lean cuts of meat, and plenty of fruits and vegetables. Eating a variety of foods will ensure that you get adequate vitamin C as well as sufficient quantities of other vital nutrients.
Dosing and Food Sources
The Office of Dietary Supplements maintains that women need 75 mg per day of vitamin C, while men need 90 mg. Citrus fruits and other fruits, such as strawberries and cantaloupe, and vegetables such as broccoli, as well as foods fortified with vitamin C, are good sources of vitamin C.
References
- "Arthritis Today": The Right Amount of Vitamin C
- The Johns Hopkins Arthritis Center; Nutrition & Rheumatoid Arthritis; Cheryl Koch
- "Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases"; Vitamin C and the Risk of Developing Inflammatory Polyarthritis: Prospective Nested Case-Control Study; D.J. Pattison, et al.; June 2004
- To Your Health: Vitamin C, Fruit and Veggie Consumption May Help Prevent RA
- Office of Dietary Supplements: Vitamin C
