Does vegetable and seafood intake affect disease activity in rheumatoid arthritis?

This study investigated the effect of vegetable and seafood intake in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). 

They found that high vegetable and seafood intake may be associated with lower disease activity (LDA).

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic condition. It is caused by inflammation that leads to painful swelling in the joints. RA can be treated with drugs to reduce inflammation. These are called disease-modifying anti-inflammatory drugs (DMARDs). RA treatment aims to achieve low disease activity (LDA). If LDA is maintained a patient may go into remission. Remission is when a patient has a disease but no active symptoms. 

There are other ways to improve RA management. A poor diet is associated with many diseases. Some studies suggest that diet is important in RA. A diet rich in vegetables has been linked to improved joint pain. Fish intake is also associated with improved RA management. These studies were conducted in Western countries. East Asian diets are rich in vegetables and fish. It is unclear if a high vegetable and seafood intake improves RA symptoms. 

This study included 441 patients with RA. Patients continued their DMARD treatment during the study. Patients were asked to complete a food frequency questionnaire (FFQ). The FFQ had a list of 22 foods. Food patterns were compared to treatment. Disease activity (DA) was measured using several scales. 

A higher frequency of vegetable intake was associated with an improved DA. This was across all scales. An analysis of food patterns found that seafood consumption was associated with improved DA. Vegetables or fruits were also associated with improved DA. 

The authors concluded that high vegetable and seafood intake may be associated with LDA in patients with RA.

This study was conducted in Japan. The diet was specific to this region. Many factors could affect diet patterns. 

If you have any concerns regarding RA management please consult with your physician.