The Role of Diet in Rheumatoid Arthritis Therapy – A Review of the Literature

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune chronic systemic connective tissue disease characterized by symmetrical arthritis, abarticular changes and systemic symptoms. The most characteristic symptoms are pain, stiffness and symmetrical swelling in the joints.

Including nutritional treatment in RA patients as a permanent component of therapy may have benefits in terms of weight regulation, reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease and osteoporosis, and an overall improvement in the patient’s quality of life. Chemical compounds that exhibit anti-inflammatory effects include polyunsaturated fatty acids, polyphenols, and antioxidants. The use of herbal raw materials with anti-inflammatory properties is also becoming popular, but there is a need for further analysis to create official recommendations. Studies analysing the effect of consumption of anti-inflammatory bioactive substances on the disease activity have contributed to the search for a specific nutritional model optimal for patients with RA. Due to the high supply of anti-inflammatory substances and protective nature against the development of cardiovascular diseases, a balanced diet based on the principles of the Mediterranean diet is recommended. The aim of this review was to present the current knowledge on the role of diet in rheumatoid arthritis including the effect of bioactive substances supplementation on disease activity.