Inadequate calcium, folic acid, vitamin E, zinc, and selenium intake in rheumatoid arthritis patients: results of a dietary survey

Abstract

Objectives: To determine the adequacy of calcium, folic acid, vitamin E, zinc, and selenium intake in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Methods: We conducted an observational study on 48 patients (13 men, 35women; 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. Results: 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. Conclusions: Patients with RA should receive dietary education or supplementationto bring their intake of calcium, folic acid, vitamin E, zinc, and selenium up to the RDI.