Vitamins and minerals for arthritis

Supplements for arthritis

Nutritional requirements for rheumatoid arthritis

Many people with rheumatoid arthritis manage to improve their quality of life by complementing medical treatment with a proper diet and food supplements for arthritis.

Supplements for rheumatoid arthritis

Optimal nutrition provides all the components necessary for the health of the body and helps prevent deficient health conditions and future diseases.

What needs are increased in people with arthritis?

Among the main supplements suitable for arthritis we can mention the following:

• Oils with anti-inflammatory essential fatty acids
• Vitamin and mineral supplements
• Plants for dry mouth
• Nutritional supplements for depression
• Food supplements rich in fiber in case of obesity

Supervision by a medical professional is required to determine the individualized treatment plan for each individual. Some supplements or overdoses thereof may interact with medication. Read the contraindications for each dietary supplement and consult your doctor if in doubt.

Oils with anti-inflammatory essential fatty acids

It has been proven that the anti-inflammatory properties of oils rich in omega 3 help reduce inflammation and relieve joint pain in people with rheumatoid arthritis.

• 

  Flaxseed oil: It’s the richest in omega-3 fatty acids, with a higher content than evening primrose oil. (Take 1 pearl, 3 times a day. Increase the dose if your medical professional deems it appropriate)

• Evening primrose oil (Take 2 pearls, 3 times a day. Increase if the medical professional deems it appropriate)
• Hemp, chia, or flax seeds: As an omega-3 dietary supplement, sprinkle on salads, etc. (How to take chia seeds)

Important: The benefits of essential fatty acid supplements are not “instantaneous”. They take between 2 and 6 months to produce the desired effects. They must be accompanied by a diet rich in fiber and low in saturated fat. *Related information: How does omega 3 work against arthritis?

Vitamin supplements for rheumatoid arthritis

• Vitamin C: It is beneficial for people with arthritis due to its antioxidant properties, which reduce the negative effects produced by free radicals on joint cartilage, while also stimulating the production of collagen, the main protein in bones and cartilage. It is recommended to meet these needs through diet. (Eat a diet rich in vitamin C, through foods rich in vitamin C) (Vitamin C capsules as directed on the package insert) Dose between 500 and 1000 mg per day, as deemed appropriate by the medical professional. Vitamin C with bioflavonoids.
• Vitamin E: Like vitamin C, vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant, capable of neutralizing joint wear caused by free radicals. Vitamin E does not reduce inflammation, but it can help relieve pain. It can be obtained from the intake of extra virgin olive oil, which is very rich in this vitamin. (Supplements under medical supervision. The usual dose is 400 or 500 IU daily)
• Vitamin D or sunshine vitamin: It can be deficient in people with rheumatoid arthritis. Good levels of this vitamin help fix calcium to bones and prevent osteoarthritis and osteoporosis
• B vitamins: Scientific studies have shown that people with rheumatoid arthritis tend to be deficient in some B vitamins, or may have higher requirements for them:
  • Pyridoxine (vitamin B6): Some people with arthritis have been observed to have low levels of this vitamin. Minor pyridoxine deficiencies may manifest as nervous system disorders, such as nervousness. Pyridoxine is found in avocados, whole grains, and legumes.
  • Folic acid (vitamin B9): Folic acid supplements may help replenish folic acid deficiencies in people taking methotrexate-based medications to reduce rheumatoid arthritis pain. According to studies, folic acid may reduce side effects caused by this medication, such as mouth sores and nausea (Dark green vegetables are very rich in folic acid).

Minerals for rheumatoid arthritis

• Selenium: It is part of the powerful antioxidant superoxide dismutase. Scientific research has determined low levels of this mineral in people with rheumatoid arthritis. Some foods rich in selenium include Brazil nuts and sesame seeds. (Capsules according to package insert)
• Magnesium: This supplement has been shown to improve bone health, as it helps stabilize calcium. (Take 400 to 1,000 mg of magnesium in tablets daily)
• Copper and zinc: Minerals deficient in people with rheumatoid arthritis, although some studies are contradictory

Food supplements for arthritis

• Pollen: Juices and smoothies can be enriched with this supplement due to its beta-carotene content. (Consume regularly as a dietary supplement)
• Wheat germ: It is recommended because it contains many of the nutrients mentioned above: vitamin E, folic acid, magnesium, and zinc, mainly. (Sprinkle wheat germ on salads and meals, or take it in capsules as directed on the package insert)
• Wheat germ with brewer’s yeast: It combines the benefits of wheat germ with those of brewer’s yeast (it is rich in protein, B vitamins, magnesium, zinc, chromium and iron) (Capsules as directed on the package leaflet)

Dietary supplements against depression

• Tryptophan: It can be administered for symptoms such as insomnia or difficulty falling asleep, whether caused by increased stress or nervousness. Tryptophan helps people relax because it helps the brain produce serotonin, the so-called “happiness hormone.” It can help reduce anxiety or even mild depression, given that serotonin has antidepressant and anxiolytic effects. Foods rich in tryptophan can help improve mood (potatoes, eggs, fish, legumes, nuts, etc.). (Capsules according to the package leaflet)

More information on natural remedies, vitamins, and minerals for arthritis

Written by Editorial Botanical-online team in charge of content writing

24 May, 2025