Rheumatoid Arthritis: Prevention

To prevent rheumatoid arthritis, attention must be paid to reducing individual risk factors.Behavioral risk factors

  • Diet
    • High intake of the omega-6 fatty acid arachidonic acid (animal foods such as pork and pork products and tuna).
    • Low intake of long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA); regular consumption of one fish meal per week compared to no fish per week resulted in 29% risk reduction for rheumatoid arthritis
    • Micronutrient deficiency (vital substances) – see Prevention with micronutrients.
  • Consumption of stimulants
    • Coffee – significant increase in the rate of seropositive rheumatoid arthritis with the increase in coffee consumption.
    • Tobacco (smoking) – cigarette smoking has been shown to be associated with increased rates of disease; higher risk of seropositive RA
  • Physical activity
    • Physical inactivity
  • Overweight (BMI ≥ 25; obesity).

Environmental pollution – intoxications (poisonings).

  • Men with occupational contact with inorganic dusts or vibrations – such as those that occur when operating jackhammers – showed a higher risk of rheumatoid arthritis, according to a Swedish study. In particular, silica dusts are suspected to be causative.Women who worked as graphic artists or in color printing also had an increased risk

Other risk factors

  • Blood transfusions – individuals who had received transfusions showed an increased risk according to studies

Prevention factors (protective factors)

  • Breastfeeding – Breastfeeding for 12 months was associated with a lower risk of the child developing rheumatoid arthritis in one study.
  • Light to moderate alcohol consumption is inversely associated with the development of rheumatoid arthritis.