Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease characterized by inflammation, pain, swelling, stiffness, and loss of function in the joints. It affects approximately 1.3 million people in the United States. Chronic symptoms can range from mild to severe. The exact cause of rheumatoid arthritis is not entirely clear. Nonetheless, rheumatoid arthritis is associated with a deficiency of certain vitamins and minerals. If you have rheumatoid arthritis, consult your doctor about your diet.
Vitamin B-6
Vitamin B-6 is a water soluble vitamin that in its metabolically active coenzyme form, pyridoxal 5' phosphate, assists enzymes in the production of proteins, red blood cells and neurotransmitters. A deficiency of vitamin B-6, particularly its active form in the blood, is associated with rheumatoid arthritis. Research by scientists at Arizona State University Department of Nutrition in Mesa, Arizona, and published in the "Journal of the American Dietetic Association" in March 2008 found that pyridoxal 5' phosphate concentrations are lower in patients with rheumatoid arthritis than in healthy control participants.
Vitamin D
Vitamin D is a fat soluble vitamin you need for absorption of calcium, growth and maintenance of bones, stimulation of the immune system and preventing autoimmune diseases. A deficiency of vitamin D is associated with rheumatoid arthritis. Research by scientists at the University of Verona in Italy and published in "Arthritis Research & Therapy" in 2010 found that vitamin D deficiency is common among patients with rheumatoid arthritis, and the lower the blood levels of the vitamin, the more severe the disease activity and disability.
Iron
Iron is a mineral you need for hemoglobin, the substance in red blood cells that carries oxygen from your lungs to your cells. An iron deficiency is common among patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Research by scientists at Sawai Man Singh Medical College and Hospitals in Jaipur, India and published in "Rheumatology International" in April 2008 reports that patients with rheumatoid arthritis have deficiencies of iron.
Zinc
Zinc is a trace mineral you need for the structure of cell membranes and proteins, stimulation of your immune system and assistance with certain enzymes in chemical reactions throughout your body. Patients with rheumatoid arthritis often have deficiencies of zinc and other minerals. Research by scientists at Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin, Poland, and published in "Biological Trace Element Research" in January 2011, found that zinc levels in serum, red blood cells and hair are lower in patients with rheumatoid arthritis compared with healthy controls. The scientists also discovered that the lower the zinc levels, the longer the duration of disease.
References
- National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases; Rheumatoid Arthritis; 2009
- Colorado State University; Water Soluble Vitamins; 2010
- "Journal of the American Dietetic Association"; Elevated Plasma Homocysteine and Low Vitamin B-6 Status in Nonsupplementing Older Women with Rheumatoid Arthritis; Kathleen Woolf; Mar 2008
- MedlinePlus; Vitamin D; 2010
- "Arthritis Research & Therapy"; Vitamin D Deficiency in Rheumatoid Arthritis: Prevalence, Determinants and Associations with Disease Activity and Disability; Maurizio Rossini, et al.; 2010
- Linus Pauling Institute at Oregon State University; Iron; Wessling-Resnick, M.; August 2009
