Nutrients such as vitamin D and vitamin E may help reduce inflammation and other complications related to rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

If you have rheumatoid arthritis (RA), improper nutrition might make your symptoms worse.

Getting enough of the right vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients might help improve your symptoms and lower your risk of complications. Some of these nutrients include:

If you don’t get enough vitamin D, your bones may become soft and brittle. This can raise your risk of bone fractures, deformities, and other problems.

RA is an autoimmune disease, and vitamin D supports the immune system. People with RA also have high levels of inflammation, not just in the joints, but throughout the body. Vitamin D can help decrease inflammation.

Glucocorticoids, also known as corticosteroids, are sometimes used to help treat RA.

According to a 2020 study, individuals with RA who take glucocorticoids are at an increased risk of osteoporosis. Glucocorticoids were also associated with decreased skeletal health in individuals with RA.

Calcium is important for your bones. Steroids can decrease the ability of your intestines to absorb calcium, as well as increase the excretion of calcium. Vitamin D can help increase the absorption of calcium.

There are a couple of ways to boost your vitamin D intake.

Diet

One of the simplest ways to get more vitamin D is by adjusting your diet. This important vitamin is found in some types of fish, such as:

  • salmon
  • tilapia
  • tuna
  • flounder
  • herring
  • rainbow trout

Few other foods naturally contain vitamin D, but some are fortified with it. For example, vitamin D is added to milk, orange juice, and cheese.

Vegans in particular may need to look for fortified sources since mushrooms are the only plant-based food that naturally contains vitamin D.

Supplements

It’s important for people with RA to get their vitamin D levels checked. If you can’t get enough vitamin D from sunlight and diet alone, your doctor may suggest taking a vitamin D supplement.

While vitamin D is available over the counter, you should talk with your doctor before starting to take any new supplements.

Vitamin D and the sun

The American Academy of Dermatology does not recommend sun exposure for vitamin D. This is because any level of UV exposure from the sun can still increase skin cancer risk.

Vitamin E is a potent antioxidant. According to a 2023 literature review, regular supplementation with vitamin E has multiple benefits for people with RA. They include:

  • better quality of life
  • reduced joint discomfort, swelling, and stiffness
  • a healthier gastrointestinal tract

It’s a good idea to include vitamin-E-rich foods in your diet, such as:

  • nuts, such as peanuts, hazelnuts, and almonds
  • sunflower products, such as seeds, butter, and oil
  • spinach
  • broccoli
  • kiwis
  • mangoes
  • tomatoes

In some cases, your doctor may also advise you to take a vitamin E supplement.

Other supplements may also help relieve joint pain and reduce your risk of complications from RA treatments.

Folic acid (vitamin B9)

Methotrexate (Otrexup, Rasuvo) is a first-line RA medication. If it’s part of your treatment regimen, your doctor may advise you to take a folic acid (vitamin B9) supplement.

Methotrexate affects your body’s ability to absorb folate or folic acid. If you don’t get enough of this nutrient, you may develop anemia or other health problems. Folic acid is also essential in pregnancy.

Bromelain

Your doctor may also advise you to take bromelain. This compound is made from a group of enzymes derived from pineapple. A 2020 study suggests that it might have anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties.

A healthy diet alone won’t cure your RA symptoms, but eating a nutrient-rich diet can help you stay as healthy as possible. In some cases, it may even decrease common symptoms of this painful condition and lower your risk of complications from RA medications.

Some vitamins, minerals, and other supplements can interact with certain RA medications. Always check with your doctor before adding a new supplement to your routine. They can help you understand the potential benefits and risks of taking it. They can also help you determine how much you should take.