About 1.5 million Americans had rheumatoid arthritis in 2007, according to the Centers for Disease Control. Rheumatoid arthritis is two to three times more common in women than men, and most cases are diagnosed between the ages of 30 and 50, though a form known as juvenile rheumatoid arthritis can begin in childhood. Scientific research has shown some promising results for nutritional management of rheumatoid arthritis.
Vitamin D
Vitamin D inhibits autoimmune activity and increases healthy activity of white blood cells in autoimmune diseases, according to a study published in the February 2011 issue of the journal "Inflammation and Allergy Drug Targets." Vitamin D deficiency seems to increase risk of autoimmune disease, including diabetes, multiple sclerosis, psoriasis and rheumatoid arthritis. However, most of the evidence is observational rather than experimental. Your nutritional status seems to influence your immune system and vice versa, conclude the researchers. More studies are needed to clarify the precise relationships between vitamin D and autoimmune conditions.
Vitamin B6
Vitamin B6 reduces inflammation in rheumatoid arthritis, according to a study published in the September 2010 issue of the "European Journal of Clinical Nutrition." In the study, rheumatoid arthritis patients took a supplement containing100 mg per day of vitamin B6 for 12 weeks and showed significant decreases in inflammatory and tissue damaging molecules. Researchers concluded that a large dose of vitamin B6 suppressed inflammation in rheumatoid arthritis patients. Eat a varied diet to obtain optimal levels of vitamin B6. Food sources of vitamin B6 include beans, nuts, legumes, eggs, meats, fish and whole grains.
Conjugated Linoleic Acids
Conjugated linoleic acids, a family of compounds found in meat and dairy products, may offer benefits for the management of rheumatoid arthritis, according to a study published in the April 2009 issue of the "International Journal of Rheumatic Disease." In the study, three months of supplementation with 2.5 g per day of conjugated linoleic acids resulted in significant reduction in pain and morning stiffness in a group of rheumatoid arthritis patients. White blood cell levels also declined with conjugated linoleic acid supplementation. Additionally, a group that received both conjugated linoleic acids and 400 mg of vitamin E showed decreased erythrocyte sedimentation rate -- a marker for inflammation.
Western Diet
The University of Maryland Medical Center recommends a low-saturated fat diet with lots of antioxidant-containing foods to help manage a chronic condition such as rheumatoid arthritis. Steer away from the typical Western diet, which contains high quantities of saturated fats and processed carbohydrates and has been found to promote inflammation. Instead, opt for a diet that leans more toward vegetarianism or veganism -- a form of vegetarianism that excludes all animal products, including dairy and eggs. Additionally, identify and eliminate any allergenic foods as these may stimulate an autoimmune response and worsen rheumatoid arthritis symptoms.
References
- "Inflammation and Allergy Drug Targets"; Micronutrients at the Interface Between Inflammation and Infection--ascorbic Acid and Calciferol. Part 2: Calciferol and the Significance of Nutrient Supplements.; A.Ströhle, et al.; February 2011
- Medline Plus: Vitamin B6
- "International Journal of Rheumatic Diseases";Effect of Conjugated Linoleic Acids, Vitamin E and Their Combination on the Clinical Outcome of Iranian Adults with Active Rheumatoid Arthritis; N. Aryaeian, et al.; April 2009
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Rheumatoid Arthritis
- University of Alabama at Birmingham Health System: Arthritis and Rheumatology Statistics
- Centers for Disease Control: Arthritis-Related Statistics
