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Study: Alcohol in moderation, fatty fish and cereals reduce arthritis risk, tea and coffee increase it
Last reviewed: 03.07.2025
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Moderate alcohol consumption, as well as eating fruits, oily fish and cereals, are associated with a lower risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis, while tea and coffee may increase the risk.
A recent study published in the journal Nutrients analyzed 30 different studies involving nearly 10,000 people with rheumatoid arthritis conducted between 2000 and 2024. The work provides new insights into the relationship between 32 food, beverage, and nutrient groups and the risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis, showing that certain food groups may have a protective effect.
Key findings of the study:
Foods that reduce the risk of rheumatoid arthritis:
- Fatty fish, vitamin D and vegetables: have a potential protective effect, but the effect is not linear - moderate consumption reduces the risk, but the effect is reduced with excessive consumption.
- Fruits and grains: Higher intake is associated with a lower risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis.
- Moderate alcohol consumption (especially beer): Reduces risk. Every 2 units of alcohol per week reduces risk by 4%. However, the protective effect disappears after drinking more than 7.5 units of alcohol per week.
Foods that increase the risk of rheumatoid arthritis:
- Tea: Each additional cup per day increases the risk by 4%, but the baseline risk remains low.
- Coffee: Also shows a weak association with increased risk, requiring further study.
Researchers' comments:
- Yuanyuan Dong, the study's author, noted that heavy alcohol consumption increases the risk of arthritis, while moderate drinking may have a protective effect.
- Professor Janet Cade added that oily fish, cereals, vegetables and vitamin D could help reduce the chance of developing arthritis, while moderate alcohol consumption also had a positive effect.
The researchers stressed the importance of an individualised approach to nutrition for people with autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, rather than general 'healthy eating' recommendations.
About Rheumatoid Arthritis:
It is a common autoimmune disease in which the immune system attacks healthy cells. Symptoms include joint pain and stiffness, swelling, and difficulty performing daily activities. Early diagnosis and treatment can provide significant relief.