Common Questions About Arthritis

Is there a relationship between food and arthritis?

Question: Is there a relationship between food and arthritis?

Answer: Although the relationship between arthritis and certain food intake has been an area of great interest for a number of years, there have actually been very few scientific studies published on the subject. One 1991 study from Norway used a questionnaire-based survey sent to 742 patients with different types of arthritis and rheumatic diseases to look at experience with food intake, diet manipulation, and fasting. Many of the patients reported aggravation of arthritis symptoms with intake of certain foods. However, no specific food could be pinpointed as affecting most patients.

In osteoarthritis, the most common form of arthritis, obesity is a risk factor. Therefore, diets that maintain the ideal weight would be helpful. A preliminary study published in Arthritis and Rheumatism in 1996 shows that high intake of antioxidant micronutrients, such as Vitamin C, may reduce the risk of cartilage loss and disease progression in patients with osteoarthritis. These preliminary findings will need to be repeated before a specific recommendation can be made.

In patients with gout, a specific type of arthritis, avoidance of alcohol and food high in purines is important. Diets high in Omega-3 fatty acids (fish oils) have been shown to be anti-inflammatory, and may be helpful in some forms of arthritis, such as rheumatoid arthritis. Elimination diets and fasting have no place in routine management of arthritis.

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