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05 Jun 2008
Drinking alcohol can reduce the risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis by as much as half, research has shown.
Findings based on two studies including over 2750 people and published ahead of print in the Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases revealed a correlation between higher consumption of alcohol and lower risk of rheumatoid arthritis.
The Scandinavian researchers at the Karolinska Institute discovered that a quarter of participants who drank alcohol regularly were up to 50 per cent less likely to suffer from arthritis pain compared to those who consumed the least.
The authors also indicated that alcohol intake reduced the risk most in patients who smoked and had a genetic predisposition to the condition.
Researcher Dr Henrik Kallberg told the BBC: "It is important to know that moderate alcohol consumption is not deleterious and may in some contexts be beneficial concerning risk for future onset of rheumatoid arthritis."
Previous studies suggest that moderate alcohol consumption can be linked to a lower risk of developing other inflammatory conditions including cardiovascular disease.
While moderate intake of alcohol can be beneficial for health, experts warn that drinking more than the recommended limit can be detrimental.
Click here to visit the Arthritis Quick Guide
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