Can nutrition prevent the onset of Rheumatoid Arthritis? A mini review of dietary risk and progression from pre-clinical autoimmunity

Rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases are major causes of disability worldwide, and many have inflammation at their core. Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA), in particular, is preceded by a prolonged “pre-clinical” phase in which genetic susceptibility and modifiable exposures, including diet, interact. Nutrition is thought to play an important role as an ‘external’ but modifiable factor in inflammatory diseases. The existing literature suggests that it may act as a lever for prevention and risk modification through direct or indirect effects on adiposity, systemic inflammation, mucosal immunity, the gut microbiome, and cardiometabolic comorbidity. In this mini review, we synthesize and critically appraise the evidence linking dietary patterns and targeted nutritional interventions with RA risk.