Caffeine is a much researched and debated stimulant, with evidence indicating that it both protects against illness and promotes illness. Of particular concern is whether increased use of caffeine puts you at greater risk of joint pain caused by illnesses such as rheumatoid arthritis and gout. Some research shows that caffeine may not necessarily contribute to joint pain.
Joint Pain
In rheumatoid arthritis, pain and stiffness in the joints is caused by the autoimmune disorder itself. Gout is another common cause of joint pain, caused by high levels of uric acid in the body and creating excruciating pain.
Excessive Caffeine
Caffeine is a stimulant that exists naturally in a number of plants. One of the main enticing features of caffeine for coffee drinkers is that it is absorbed and distributed quickly when you consume it. According to MayoClinic.com, a moderate dose of caffeine is 200 mg to 300 mg per day. This is roughly between 2 and 4 cups of coffee per day. Heavy caffeine use is 400 mg to 600 mg per day, according to the clinic site.
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Early studies, such as one by M. Heliovaara and colleagues published in 2000 in the "Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases," showed a correlation between coffee consumption and rheumatoid arthritis in women. However, according to an article by Shannon Wilder in "Arthritis Today," earlier research responsible for linking caffeine use to rheumatoid arthritis failed to account for other risk factors. These risk factors included smoking, diet and alcohol use. A study by E.W. Karlson and colleagues published in the November 2003 issue of "Arthritis and Rheumatism" found no evidence that coffee, decaffeinated coffee or tea, contributed to developing rheumatoid arthritis.
Gout
Coffee drinking may alleviate the painful symptoms of gout, and Hyon K. Choi and Gary Curhan indicate in their June 2007 article in "Arthritis Care and Research" that as many as 6 cups of coffee per day can protect men against developing gout by lowering uric acid levels. As the same effect is not noted with tea, it may not be the caffeine that is the protective factor.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Joint Pain Overview
- "Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases"; Coffee Consumption, Rheumatoid Factor, and the Risk of Rheumatoid Arthritis; Dr. M Heliovaara, et al.; 2000
- "Arthritis and Rheumatism"; Coffee Consumption and Risk of Rheumatoid Arthritis; E.W. Karlson, et al.; November 2003
- "Arthritis Today"; RA and Coffee: What the Research Says; Shannon Wilder
- MayoClinic.com; Caffeine: How Much Is Too Much?; March 2011
- "Arthritis Care and Research"; Coffee, Tea, and Caffeine Consumption and Serum Uric Acid Level: the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey; Hyon K. Choi, et al.; June 2007
