Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) represents a life-long chronic inflammatory process frequently associated to potential multiorganic complications. Cardiovascular diseases and nutritional alterations are increased in AR populations and represent potential factors that alter negatively the disease course and prognosis.
To evaluate nutritional status from a Mexican AR population, including body composition, anthropometrics and dietary patterns.
There were included 100 RA outpatients from a regional rheumatic centre located in San Luis Potosi México. Nutritional assessment included anthropometric evaluation, bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) and dietary patterns evaluation.
100 RA out-patients were included. Mean age was 47.6 +/- 13.3 years, with a mean disease course of 10.18 +/- 9.02. 79% of patients were in RA functional class II and 21% in class III. Average body mass index 26.8 +/- 4.4 kg/m2 According to body mass index categories, 65% patients were within the range of overweight and obesity and 2% of patients were undernourished. Mean waist circumference 86.7 +/- 11.1 cm, 34% of patients showed waist circumference values over the limits established for the definition of metabolic syndrome. Lean body mass was diminished in 48% patients. Body fat mass estimated by anthropometry and BIA was increased in 94 patients (94%). DIETARY PARAMETERS: Mean energy intake was 26.4 +/- 8.2 kcal/kg. There was qualitative nutritional inadequacy in 90 patients (90%). Protein intake was optimal in all the patients.
Nutritional alterations are highly prevalent in Mexican RA population; our study showed freefat mass depletion, low caloric intake, dietary inadequate parameters and fat mass increments as the more prevalent findings. Nutritional assessment and nutritional strategies are recommended as potential measures to improve RA clinical course and prognosis.