A study shows that moderate alcohol consumption reduces the risk of rheumatoid arthritis and can even slow down the progression of the disease.
According to the journal Arthritis & Rhumatism, a Swiss study followed 2,900 adults with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) for four years. Participants underwent several X-rays.
Researchers found that participants who drank little or moderate alcohol saw their disease slow down compared to those who consumed no alcohol at all. Heavy drinkers saw the progression of their arthritis accelerate.
According to study author Dr. Axel Finckh from the University Hospital of Geneva, "the difference seen in moderate drinkers’ and non-drinkers’ progression was not substantial enough to be apparent in daily life." But he added that "if the slower progression were maintained over decades, it could become important."
Study authors say, "Further research is however required to better understand the impact of alcohol consumption on RA."