Diet may influence risk of rheumatoid arthritis – results of two studies

Evidence has emerged that a healthy diet could help prevent rheumatoid arthritis, experts report at the American College of Rheumatology Annual Meeting.
One study followed 93,859 women without rheumatoid arthritis who filled out questionnaires about diet every four years between 1991 and 2011; 347 of the women developed rheumatoid arthritis at an average age of 49 years.

A typical Western diet (ie high in red and processed meat, refined grains, fried food, high-fat dairy and sweets) was associated with a higher rheumatoid arthritis risk when compared to diet made up mostly of fruit, vegetables, legumes, whole grains, poultry and fish.

A second study found that following the US government’s Dietary Guidelines for Americans cut the risk of rheumatoid arthritis by around 33%. The guidelines emphasise the importance of consuming fewer calories, making informed food choices and being physically active.

“It is clear that a healthy diet may prevent rheumatoid arthritis development, and our team is interested in conducting further studies to look at why diet is associated with this risk,” says Dr Bing Lu, who is involved in the work.

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

Image credit: Pink Sherbet Photography