Can Your Diet Impact Rheumatoid Arthritis Risk?

A recent study explored the connection between what we eat and the likelihood of developing rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

The research, based on data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES).

The study suggests that higher consumption of three essential minerals—magnesium (Mg), copper (Cu), and potassium (K)—is linked to a reduced risk of RA.

People who get more of these minerals in their diets might be less likely to develop this autoimmune condition.

What’s good about the study is that it involved a large and diverse group of U.S. adults, making the results more relevant to the general population.

The researchers also analyzed other factors that could influence the results, which adds credibility to their findings. The study also examined how the risk of RA changes with different levels of mineral intake, which provides a more nuanced understanding.

However, there are some limitations to keep in mind.

First, this research is a “cross-sectional” study, which means it can’t prove that a higher intake of these minerals directly prevents RA. It’s possible that people with RA change their diets becuase of their condition.

Second, the data on what people ate was collected through self-reports, which can be unreliable.

People may not always remember or accurately report their dietary habits.

The study only assessed the relationship between these minerals and RA, not considering other dietary and lifestyle factors that could also play a role in RA development.

So, while it’s intriguing that eating more magnesium, copper, and potassium might be associated with a lower risk of RA, you can’t say for sure that changing your diet will prevent or treat the condition.

Further research, especially larger and longer-term studies, is needed to confirm these findings.

In conclusion, what you eat can impact on your risk of developing RA, but there’s not a final word on the matter.

So, it’s always a good idea to maintain a balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle, but if you’re concerned about RA, it’s best to consult with a healthcare professional for guidance and advice.

See “Association between magnesium, copper, and potassium intakes with risk of rheumatoid arthritis” 

Fang, J., Cao, T., Liu, C. et al. Association between magnesium, copper, and potassium intakes with risk of rheumatoid arthritis: a cross-sectional study from National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). BMC Public Health 23, 2085 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-023-16906-y