Are there sensible diet recommendations for patients with rheumatoid arthritis?

Patients with rheumatic diseases frequently ask the physician for diet reco mmendations. Although much has been written about this subject, scientifica lly validated studies investigating the impact of certain diets on rheumato id arthritis are scant and often inconclusive. Elimina- tion diets or total fasting is believed to eliminate food ingredients that cause or aggravate arthritis. In contrast, supplementation with fish oil, gamma-linoleic acid or vitamin E is directed at anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory effects of these food compounds. So far, both approaches have failed to reveal a sign ificant benefit with respect to objective signs of inflammation. Supplement ation with other vitamins such as vitamin A and C, or with trace elements l ike selenium and zinc are of no proven influence on the disease activity as well. There is a higher request for calcium and vitamin D in patients with active RA under steroid treatment to prevent osteoporosis. In addition, patients with active RA have a slightly increased risk for cardiovascular events. Th erefore, cholesterol-lowering diets and drugs should be applied early.