The Relationship of Diet on the Disease Status in Patients Suffering from Rheumatoid Arthritis

Diet with regulating inflammation and oxidative stress has an important role in the pathogenesis and development of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between diet in Kermanshah and the disease activity score of RA.

This cross-sectional study was performed on 184 patients with a definitive diagnosis of RA according to the criteria of the 2010 American College of Rheumatology/ European League against Rheumatism in Kermanshah city. Dietary intakes were determined using a validated 168-item food frequency and disease activity score-28 (DAS-28) based on the number of swollen and sensitive joints, ESR level and self-assessment score of general health. Logistic regression test with adjusting confounders was used to investigate the relationship between diet and DAS-28.

DAS-28 was directly related to total fat intake (β = 0.54) and intake of saturated fatty acids (β = 0.21), and omega 6 fatty acids (β = 0.26), while it was inversely related to protein intake (β = -0.62). In addition, the intake of red meats (β = 0.31) and animal fats (β = 0.24) was directly related to DAS-28 and intake of white meats (β = -0.31), low-fat dairies (β = -0.53), vegetable oils (β = -0.21), fruits (β = -0.19), vegetables (β = -0.25), and spices (β = -0.29) were inversely related.

Adherence to high-protein and low-fat diets from white meats, low-fat dairies, fruits, vegetables, vegetable oils, and spices can be included in the diet therapy of patients with RA.