Moderate drinking slows arthritis progression

A recent study suggests that moderate drinking slows the progression of arthritis.

Animal research done in the past suggests that alcohol inhibits Rheumatoid arthritis (RA), possibly by reducing inflammation. Heavy drinking, on the other hand, seems to promote inflammation. However, whether moderate drinking itself slows RA progression is not certain. To investigate this, researchers followed 2,908 Swiss adults who were part of a national database of RA patients. All had had at least two sets of X-rays of their hands and feet over time, and had been followed for four years, on average.

Overall, 37 percent said they were non-drinkers at the outset, while the rest drank at least occasionally. It was found that both occasional drinkers and those who drank once per day generally had less joint damage progression over time than non-drinkers. Study patients' drinking habits remained linked to RA progression when the researchers accounted for a number of other factors, including age, RA medication use, smoking and the length of time each patient had the disease. However, the relationship between drinking and joint damage progression was stronger among men than women.

The findings suggest that moderate drinking should not be discouraged in those suffering from RA. Further research is required to better understand the reasons for the effect of alcohol consumption on RA.