Abstract
Summary Background: A proportion of people with rheumatoid arthritis use diet as a form of therapy for their condition. This study aimed to investigate the specific actions these people take with regard to diet and the nutrient composition of these specialized diets. The effects that these habits have on nutritional status have also been discussed. Methods: An ex‐post facto study was completed with subjects being recruited from an arthritis self‐help group by means of a postal questionnaire. Fifty‐four subjects responded to the questionnaire and 25 of these went on to complete a 3‐day diet diary. These subjects were divided into two study groups: those who believed that diet had some effect on their condition or symptoms and those who believed it had no effect. Results: Food avoidance and supplementation were the most common dietary habits reported by people with rheumatoid arthritis, with 50% of respondents reporting supplementation and 67% food avoidance. The nutrient intakes of the two study groups differed significantly, with the ‘diet‐believers’ generally having a more nutrient‐dense, well‐balanced, healthier diet than the group who did not believe diet had any effect. Conclusion: There is much concern regarding nutritional guidelines for people with rheumatoid arthritis. Individuals who have an interest in diet and nutrition and believe it affects their condition appear to have a more nutrient‐dense, well‐balanced, healthier diet than those who do not have any such belief.
Published Version
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