Rheumatoid arthritis risk slashed by drinking pints of beer, scientists claim
Major new research has shed light on ways to steer clear of rheumatoid arthritis - and it's surprisingly good news for beer guzzlers. The systematic review, led by the University of Leeds, analysed evidence across 30 different studies, involving almost 10,000 people with the condition between 2000 and 2024.
Its key findings revealed that oily fish and foods packed with vitamin D had 'potential protective effects' against its development, while increasing cereal consumption also slashed this risk. But more surprisingly, it noted that drinking a 'low-to-moderate' amount of beer each week had an impressive benefit too.
This finding is particularly intriguing given NHS England's longstanding warnings about the long-term dangers of alcohol, including high blood pressure, liver disease, strokes and various cancers. In the case of rheumatoid arthritis, scientists found that every 'two unit/week increase in alcohol [was] linked to a 4% risk reduction'.
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Co-author and PhD supervisor Janet Cade, Professor of Nutritional Epidemiology, said: "This is a comprehensive study taking in the results of thirty different large-scale studies looking into the effects of diet on risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis. The results are promising, showing that by eating higher amounts of foods like oily fish, cereals, vegetables and the nutrient vitamin D, people may be able to lower their chances of developing this painful and debilitating condition.
"It is also interesting to see that drinking a moderate amount of alcohol – the equivalent of one pint of lower-strength lager or beer, or one glass of wine a week – can lower rheumatoid arthritis risk. However, tea and coffee consumption may increase risk a little."
Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic condition that causes pain, swelling and stiffness in the joints. This frequently impacts the hands, feet and wrists, with the severity of symptoms fluctuating over time.
While the Leeds study has put a spotlight on how dietary choices can affect the condition, scientists assert that even more research is necessary. They also stressed that individuals who drank 7.5 units of alcohol per week saw health benefits completely diminished, with the drink no longer offering a protective effect.
For context, UK health bodies advise drinking no more than 14 'units' per week over the course of three or more days. That's the same as six medium (175ml) glasses of wine, or six pints of 4% beer, according to the NHS.
Professor Cade added: "More research will help us pinpoint exactly why these foods have the effect we have observed and develop tailored nutritional advice for people living with rheumatoid arthritis and other autoimmune diseases."
