Intake of antioxidants in patients with rheumatoid arthritis

Abstract

Objective: to investigate dietary intake of antioxidants in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Methods: this is a cross-sectional case series study with 53 women accompanied at the Rheumatology Outpatient Clinic, Hospital das Clinicas/UFPE, from January to October 2012. Demographic and anthropometric parameters (weight, height, body mass index, weight change) were collected by means of a form. The assessment of food consumption was conducted using a semi-quantitative food frequency survey, analyzed according to a food composition table. Database construction and statistical analysis were performed using Excel and SPSS version 18.0, using chi-squared test, Anova, and Student's t-test, at a confidence level of 5%. Results: the sample was composed of 53 women with a mean age of 54.51 } 4.24 years and BMI of 25.97 } 5.94 kg/m2. In the sociodemographic variables, statistically significant differences in origin, occupation, and income were observed. Daily consumption showed significance for vitamins A, C, and zinc. In adults, vitamins A and C were in accordance with recommendations, while in the elderly a low intake of vitamin E and selenium was observed. The relation between vitamin E and origin was significant. Conclusion: patients demonstrated low consumption of vitamins A, C, and zinc. Therefore, there is a need for increased consumption of foods rich in antioxidants in order to contribute to the prevention of joint injury and loss of rheumatic function, thus, improving quality of life of patients.