Coffee and its impact on rheumatoid arthritis and other autoimmune diseases

The pros and cons that drinking coffee has on health are widely reported in the media. Now a group of experts looking at the association between coffee intake and its influence on the immune system have reported some interesting findings in Autoimmunity Reviews.

Coffee consumption seems to increase the risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis and type 1 diabetes. By contrast, coffee consumption may protect against multiple sclerosis, primary sclerosing cholangitis and ulcerative colitis.

No association was found regarding other autoimmune diseases such as systemic lupus erythematosus, psoriasis, primary biliary cholangitis and Crohn’s disease.

Coffee consumption was also shown to influence disease course and management options. Coffee intake led to a decrease in methotrexate efficacy in people with rheumatoid arthritis, for example.

There is still more work to be done.

“Data on certain autoimmune diseases like systemic sclerosis, Sjögren’s syndrome, and Behçet’s disease, among others, are lacking in the existent literature,” the experts highlight. “As such, further research is warranted.”

For more in-depth features, interviews and information, subscribe to Arthritis Digest magazine, a popular title that’s published six times a year. Click here for the digital version or tel 0845 643 8470 to order your had copy. You’ll know what your doctor is talking about, what new drugs are in the pipeline and be up to date on helpful products.