Iranian scientists at University of Medical Sciences in Tehran, Iran suggest that taking antioxidant supplements can help rheumatoid arthritis (RA).  In the study, 40 female patients with  RA were treated for 12 weeks with a supplement called Selenplus consisting 50 μg selenium, 8 mg zinc, 400 μg vitamin A, 125 mg vitamin C, and 40 mg vitamin E.  The trial shows that antioxidants improved disease activity significantly.

Comment: These vitamins and minerals in the dietary supplement are needed for even healthy individuals.  Patients should have an adequate intake of all these vitamins and minerals regardless of their efficacy in treating RA.  One thing for sure is that these antioxidants can reduce oxidative stress, which is linked to many chronic diseases like RA. (David Liu, PHD)

Jalili M, Kolahi S, Aref-Hosseini SR, Mamegani ME, Hekmatdoost A. Beneficial role of antioxidants on clinical outcomes and erythrocyte antioxidant parameters in rheumatoid arthritis patients.  Int J Prev Med. 2014 Jul;5(7):835-40.