Vitamins and minerals are important for healthy bodies. According to Johns Hopkins researchers, rheumatoid arthritis patients are commonly observed to suffer deficiencies of the following vitamins and minerals: folic acid, calcium, magnesium, zinc, selenium, vitamins B6 and B12, and vitamins C, D, and E.

Vitamin C

Interestingly, two studies that assessed the role of vitamin C in osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis patients showed different conclusions. Study results that were published in Arthritis & Rheumatism (June 2004) indicated that long-term use of vitamin C was associated with increasing severity of knee osteoarthritis. The research was done on guinea pigs. The high doses of vitamin C in guinea pigs produced severe osteoarthritis of the knee and severe cartilage damage. Researchers concluded that vitamin C should not be supplemented above 90 mg/day for men and 75 mg/day for women.

The second study, which was published in the Annals of Rheumatic Diseases (2004), reported that foods high in vitamin C protected against inflammatory polyarthritis. In this study, a group of participants who had developed inflammatory polyarthritis over an eight-year period were compared to a group who did not have arthritis. Researchers concluded that the group who had arthritis ate fewer fruits and vegetables than the group without arthritis. Other parameters in the study revealed that the group that consumed the lowest amount of vitamin C was three times more likely to develop inflammatory polyarthritis than those who consumed high amounts of vitamin C.

Dietary Carotenoids

In yet another study, published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition (August 2005), it was suggested by researchers that some dietary carotenoids may lower the risk of developing arthritis. Beta-cryptoxanthin and zeaxanthin are two of the carotenoids found to lower the risk for developing inflammatory arthritis. Carotenoids are natural pigments found in plants and animals. Beta-cryptoxanthin is a pro-vitamin A carotenoid. It can be converted to the active form of vitamin A in the body. Yellow and orange fruits and vegetables are the best sources of beta-cryptoxanthin.

Folic Acid

Rheumatoid arthritis patients who take methotrexate must take a daily folic acid supplement to prevent side effects associated with folic acid deficiency.

Folic acid is a water-soluble vitamin in the B-complex group. Folic acid, along with vitamin B12 and vitamin C, help with the digestion of proteins and the synthesis of new proteins. Folic acid is needed for red blood-cell production and is also involved in DNA synthesis. Folic acid also plays a role in tissue growth and cellular function.

Eating Well and Vitamin Supplementation

Good health depends on good nutrition. Eating well and making healthy food choices improves overall health, which includes joint health. In this fast-paced world, you may not always eat as nutritiously as you intend. For that reason, most doctors recommend a daily multivitamin to supplement your diet. When you are taking your daily arthritis medications, include a daily multivitamin.