A recent study has revealed that moderate alcohol consumption, along with a diet rich in fruit, oily fish, and cereals, may be associated with a lower risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis. On the other hand, the consumption of tea and coffee may be linked to an increased risk of the disease.
The study, which analyzed data from 30 different research studies involving nearly 10,000 individuals with rheumatoid arthritis, was conducted between 2000 and 2024. The findings, published in the journal Nutrients, shed new light on the relationship between various food groups, drinks, and nutrients, and their impact on the risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis.
According to the research, certain dietary factors such as oily fish, vitamin D, fruits, and cereals could play a protective role in preventing the onset of rheumatoid arthritis. Conversely, higher consumption of tea was associated with an increased risk of the disease.
The study also found that while moderate alcohol intake could have a protective effect against rheumatoid arthritis, excessive consumption could actually increase the risk. Drinking two units of alcohol per week, equivalent to a pint of lower-strength beer or a standard glass of wine, was found to have a protective effect. However, the protective effect disappeared at around 7.5 units of alcohol per week.
Lead researcher Yuanyuan Dong, from the School of Food Science and Nutrition, emphasized that rheumatoid arthritis is a multifactorial disease influenced by both genetic and environmental factors. The study aimed to investigate how dietary factors could impact the risk of developing the condition by affecting inflammation and the immune system.
The findings suggest that incorporating foods like oily fish, cereals, vegetables, and vitamin D into one’s diet may help lower the risk of rheumatoid arthritis. However, the researchers caution that the results are not straightforward, and a tailored approach to diet and lifestyle choices is essential for individuals with autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis.
Rheumatoid arthritis is a common autoimmune disease characterized by the immune system mistakenly attacking healthy cells, leading to joint pain, stiffness, and swelling. Early diagnosis and treatment can help manage the condition, which affects half a million people in the U.K., particularly older individuals and women.
In conclusion, the study highlights the potential benefits of a diet rich in specific food groups and nutrients in reducing the risk of rheumatoid arthritis. Further research is needed to understand the mechanisms behind these associations and to provide tailored nutritional advice for individuals with autoimmune diseases.
