New research suggests that vitamin D may offer some protection against rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Dr Kenneth G Saag, from the University of Alabama at Birmingham, and colleagues analyzed data obtained from nearly 30,000 women aged 55 to 69 years old, who took part in the Iowa Women’s Health Study. Results showed that vitamin D obtained from food and supplements appears to lower the risk of developing RA. In fact, women who had a high dietary (290 IU/day and over) and supplementary (at least 400 IU/day) intake of the vitamin were found to be 28% and 34%, respectively, less likely to develop the disease. However, only the link between vitamin D supplements and reduced RA risk was found to be statistically significant. Results also suggested that a high intake of milk products might also reduce the risk of RA.
SOURCE/REFERENCE: Arthritis and Rheumatism. 2004;50:72-77.
