Research Indicates Vitamin D May Protect Against Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis is an inflammatory autoimmune disease that affects approximately one percent of the world’s population—with women afflicted three times more than men. Its causes are largely unknown, but its effects can be extremely debilitating.

Though it can involve many parts of the body, rheumatoid arthritis primarily affects the body’s synovial joints (highly mobile joints such as the knee, elbow, wrist, fingers, etc.). Symptoms include those commonly associated with inflammation: pain, swelling, a sensation of heat, and stiffness. Over time, these symptoms can lead to severe deformity.

Data gleaned from the recent Iowa Women’s Health Study, which followed almost 30,000 women, aged 55 to 69, for 11 years, may indicate, however, that regular intake of vitamin D may help ward off the onset of rheumatoid arthritis.

Of the 30,000 women studied, 152 developed rheumatoid arthritis. The trial found that those women whose diets were highest in vitamin D had the lowest incidence of the disease. Women who ingested less than 200 international units (IU) of vitamin D each day were 33 percent more likely to develop rheumatoid arthritis than women who ingested more. While the study is not conclusive, preliminary evidence does indicate a correlation between daily intake of vitamin D and onset of rheumatoid arthritis.

Natural sources of vitamin D include fatty fishes, such as catfish, salmon, and tuna, in addition to beef liver, eggs, and mushrooms. Milk and orange juice fortified with vitamin D, along with vitamin supplements, also provide a good source for the vitamin. A single 3.5 oz serving of mackerel, for instance, contains approximately 345 IU of vitamin D. The recommended daily allowance of vitamin D is 1,200 IU.

To learn more about treatment and prevention of rheumatoid arthritis, call Southern California Orthopedic Institute at (877) 933-3387.

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