Rheumatoid arthritis is an inflammatory disorder of the joints. It is associated with abnormal immune reaction. The body’s immune system mistakenly attacks the joint tissues, leading to inflammation of the lining of the joints. Over time, rheumatoid arthritis leads to degradation of the joint tissues and deformity of the joints. Studies have shown that deficiencies of certain vitamins are responsible for worsening the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis. Adding foods rich in vitamins that help in fighting rheumatoid arthritis and taking vitamin supplements can help in reducing the severity of the disease.
The Following Vitamins Are Beneficial For People With Rheumatoid Arthritis.
1. Vitamin C
Increasing consumption of fruits and vegetables rich in vitamin C is beneficial for people suffering from rheumatoid arthritis. According to studies, deficiency of vitamin C increases risk of developing joint inflammation, which is a key symptom of rheumatoid arthritis. Studies suggest that the antioxidant property of vitamin C is responsible for its anti-arthritis effect.
2. Folic Acid
Folic acid or vitamin B9 is another vitamin beneficial for people with rheumatoid arthritis. Research has found an association between folic acid deficiency and rheumatoid arthritis. Folic acid is essential for reducing the homocysteine level in the blood, supporting healthy cell growth essential for maintaining the joint tissues and repairing the damaged tissues and inhibiting DNA damage. These properties of folic acid help in fighting rheumatoid arthritis.
3. Vitamin B12
Vitamin B12 helps in overcoming anemia associated with rheumatoid arthritis. Furthermore, vitamin B12 helps in lowering the homocysteine level. Rheumatoid arthritis patients usually have higher level of homocysteine than normal, which not only worsens the symptoms of the disease but also increases risk of cardiovascular disorders.
4. Vitamin D
Rheumatoid arthritis patients usually suffer from vitamin D deficiency. Low level of vitamin D increases the level of inflammatory markers in the blood, which is a sign of worsening of inflammation and pain of the joints. Furthermore, vitamin D plays an important role in reducing loss of bone tissues in rheumatoid arthritis patients. It also seems to help in supporting healthy development of bone tissues, thereby helping in reducing degradation of the joints affected by arthritis.
5. Vitamin E
Vitamin E is known to be beneficial for people suffering from autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis. Studies have shown that vitamin E helps in reducing inflammation, morning stiffness and severity of the disease. As a potent antioxidant, it helps in neutralizing the free radicals that are responsible for triggering inflammation. Vitamin E also helps in suppressing production of pro-inflammatory molecules.