Drinking alcohol may decrease the risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis, according to study results presented at EULAR 2007, the Annual European Congress of Rheumatology. Researchers from the Karolinska Institutet (Stockholm, Sweden) had study participants answer an extensive questionnaire about lifestyle factors, including alcohol consumption and smoking. DNA from 1,204 study participants and 871 controls was examined for the genetic factor for rheumatoid arthritis, HLA-DRB1. All study participants were also classified according to the presence of anti-CCP antibodies.

Researchers concluded that there was a protective effect against rheumatoid arthritis associated with drinking three units of alcohol a week. Drinking 10 units of alcohol a week was even more protective. Interestingly, alcohol consumption of three units or more per week reduced the risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis linked to smoking or genetic predisposition. Though this study points to a need for further clinical studies, it is important to be mindful of drinking in moderation for overall good health. It is also important to remember that taking certain arthritis medications does not allow alcohol consumption.

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• Fast Facts About Rheumatoid Arthritis

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