Can dietary intervention be an auxiliary therapy for Rheumatoid Arthritis?

Abstract

Diet is an important environmental factor in the process of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) development. In the clinic, patients with RA often inquire about dietary advice. Dietary intervention has become an attractive alternative option for rheumatism because of dissatisfaction with pharmacological treatments and the increasing demands for therapeutic efficacy. Different nutrients in the diet and different dietary patterns affect RA in various ways. Some nutritional ingredients and dietary choices such as omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid, cheese lactobacillus, Mediterranean diet and vegetarian diet are beneficial for the control and mitigation of RA. Inappropriate iron supplement, high sugar and high fat diet have adverse effect on RA in patients. Though several recommendations on dietary intervention could be given based on existing research, more accurate and definitive studies are still needed to explore the auxiliary therapeutic effect of dietary intervention on RA.