What Causes Rheumatoid Arthritis?

The CDC estimates that 55.4 million US adults have been told by a doctor that they have some form of arthritis. That number is growing — by 2040, an estimated 78 million American adults are projected to have doctor-diagnosed arthritis.

Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease that occurs when the body’s immune system attacks the lining of the membrane surrounding joints. That causes inflammation, which can damage bone and cartilage. Symptoms often include joint stiffness, swelling, fatigue, fever, and loss of appetite.

While we know that rheumatoid arthritis is caused by an overreaction from the immune system, doctors aren’t sure what causes the disease to develop. According to the Mayo Clinic, risk factors may include:

• Age and Sex- Women are more likely to develop RA than men, and while the condition can occur at any age, symptoms are most common among middle-aged and older people.
• Smoking and Environmental Factors- While researchers don’t fully understand the link, cigarette smoking seems to increase a person’s risk of developing RA. Exposure to asbestos and certain other materials may also increase the risk.
• Family History- People who have close family members (such as a parent or sibling) with RA may have an increased risk of developing the condition.

Over time, rheumatoid arthritis can have serious complications including lung disease, heart issues, and infections. People with RA should work with their doctors to treat the disease to limit the chances of these complications.

Vitamin D and Rheumatoid Arthritis

Vitamin D plays an important role in the immune system. In the past, doctors have recommended vitamin D supplements to patients with autoimmune conditions to promote bone health, as the vitamin promotes absorption of calcium — but recent research suggests that vitamin D could also help to reduce infections and limit some of the symptoms of diseases like rheumatoid arthritis.

To be clear, this doesn’t mean that vitamin D cures arthritis, and supplements should never be used as a replacement for medical treatments. Still, a 2012 study published in Therapeutic Advances in Endocrinology and Metabolism found a correlation between vitamin D deficiency and RA disease activity. In other words, patients who were deficient in vitamin D were more likely to experience inflammation.

Patients interested in vitamin D supplements should discuss options with their doctors. Some supplements can interact with medications, and the quality of supplements varies greatly — but by researching options carefully, people with RA can make an informed choice.

Other Vitamins, Minerals, and Supplements

Besides vitamin D, other supplements may be beneficial to people with RA. Supplements are either used to limit symptoms or prevent complications (for instance, bone deformities) common with rheumatoid arthritis.

Common options include:

• Calcium- Rheumatoid arthritis can cause bone loss, and the body needs calcium to keep bones healthy. The Arthritis Foundation notes that most people can get enough calcium by tweaking their diets, though supplements may be an option for some arthritis patients.
• Fish Oil- Some studies have shown that high doses of fish oil can decrease arthritis activity. Fish oil contains omega-3 fatty acids, which are thought to limit inflammation.
• Turmeric- This plant root is also known as curcumin or curcuma longa. It seems to have anti-inflammatory effects, though it’s hard for the body to absorb. The Arthritis Foundation recommends researching brands carefully when taking a turmeric supplement.
• CBD Oil -Animal studies have shown that CBD oil could reduce pain associated with some forms of arthritis. However, CBD oil may interact with some arthritis medications.

Other over-the-counter products may have an effect on rheumatoid arthritis, but patients should speak with their doctors before taking any supplement. Doctors can help determine whether the supplement could have unintended side effects and whether or not it will make the patient’s medications less effective.

Researching Therapies and Treatments for Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis can be painful and disruptive. People who have been diagnosed with the disease should always follow their doctor’s instructions, as RA can cause serious complications that permanently affect a patient’s health. While science suggests that supplements can be part of a treatment plan, every patient’s situation is different; doctors will consider things like the patient’s history and the severity of their symptoms when making recommendations.

However, by researching carefully and exploring options, patients can have better conversations with their physicians. Vitamin deficiencies seem to play a role in rheumatoid arthritis, and understanding that role can empower people to make educated decisions.