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