The Use Of Vitamin C for Arthritis Questioned

Researchers recommend patients consume about 40 milligrams of vitamin C daily as new research shows consuming large amounts of vitamin C may protect against rheumatoid arthritis.

Researchers studied 23,000 men and women between the ages of 45 and 74. Participants' diets were assessed by using seven-day-food-intake diaries.It was found that 73 participants developed inflammation in two or more joints for at least one month and participants who did not consume large amounts of vitamin C were three-times more likely to develop rheumatoid arthritis, which involves inflammation in the lining of the joints and other internal organs.

However participants with a lower daily intake of fruits and vegetables had about double the risk of developing inflammatory arthritis than participants who consumed large amounts of fruits and vegetables.

Thus researchers conclude saying , “Low intake of fruit, particularly dietary vitamin C, is associated with an increased risk of developing inflammatory polyarthritis.