Information for Medical Professionals

Moderate drinking could reduce arthritis risk

Moderate drinkers could be less susceptible to the rapid progression of rheumatoid arthritis, according to new research conducted in Switzerland.

The researchers behind the new study looked at a total of 2,900 adults suffering from rheumatoid arthritis and found that those who drank alcohol in moderation showed a slower rate of joint degeneration than their non-drinking counterparts.

However, heavy drinkers showed a much greater rate of rheumatoid arthritis progression than both non-drinkers and moderate drinkers.

Published in the journal Arthritis and Rheumatism, the study, which was based on X-ray images, claimed that over the course of many years moderate alcohol consumption has tangible health benefits in terms of arthritic progression.

It is believed that alcohol slows the advancement of the disease by acting as an anti-inflammatory.

However, the researchers made it clear that they did not advise people suffering from arthritis to take up drinking.

Recently, health reporter Tanith Carey told the Daily Mail that non-impact exercise – such as yoga or pilates – can reduce a person's chances of developing osteoarthritis.

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