Study: Nutritional Supplements Help Little With Rheumatoid Arthritis

Although promoted in recent years, nutritional supplements such as fatty acids and antioxidants do not appear to significantly benefit patients with rheumatoid arthritis when used as an add-on therapy, according to researchers in the Netherlands.

In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, 55 patients with active rheumatoid arthritis received a daily nutrient supplement, or placebo, in addition to regular therapies for four months.

The supplement contained omega-3-and-6 fatty acids, vitamins C and E, selenium and zinc.

The researchers, presenting at the Annual European Congress of Rheumatology, reported some improvement in pain, grip strength and number of swollen joints, but noted both clinical and biochemical analysis failed to reach statistical significance.

They concluded that daily use of fatty acids and anti-oxidant supplements was not observably beneficial, nor was it superior to a placebo.

Other sources: European League Against Rheumatism