Abstract

OBJECTIVES:

To determine the adequacy of calcium, folic acid, vitamin E, zinc, and selenium intake in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

METHODS:

We conducted an observational study on 48 patients (13 men, 35 women; mean age, 64.5 years) with RA attending a specialty clinic in New Zealand comparing their dietary intake as measured by a 5-day dietary survey with recommended dietary intake (RDI) guidelines. Information on disease activity, functional ability, and drug therapy also was obtained.

RESULTS:

The percentage of patients who achieved the RDI was 23% for calcium, 46% for folic acid, 29% for vitamin E, 10% for zinc, and only 6% for selenium. Patients on methotrexate had a significantly reduced intake of folic acid as a percentage of RDI (P < .05) compared with those on other therapies. In contrast, dietary intake of iron and protein was largely adequate and unrelated to anemia.

CONCLUSIONS:

Patients with RA should receive dietary education or supplementation to bring their intake of calcium, folic acid, vitamin E, zinc, and selenium up to the RDI.