What to know about supplements for rheumatoid arthritis

Some supplements may help manage symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis. Examples include cat’s claw, fish oil, and ginger.
Doctors may recommend prescription medications for rheumatoid arthritis. If a person wishes to incorporate supplements into their treatment plan, they can speak with their doctor to discuss which types of supplements may be best for them.
In most cases, more research is necessary to determine the benefits of supplements on rheumatoid arthritis.
Read on to learn more about supplements that may help manage symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis.
Cat’s claw
The anti-inflammatory properties of the woody vine cat’s claw may help with symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis. Cat’s claw is also known as Uncaria tomentosa and Uncaria guianensis.
Some small controlled trials have shown that cat’s claw may help relieve pain in people with rheumatoid arthritis. However, some studies have been inconclusive.
small controlled trials
rheumatoid arthritis
The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health further points out that there is no conclusive evidence that cat’s claw can help treat or manage any health condition.
National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health
Cat’s claw can also increase symptoms of autoimmune conditions, which means it may actually worsen symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis in some cases.
autoimmune conditions
Fish oil
The polyunsaturated omega-3 fatty acids in fish oil may help reduce inflammation.
may help
A 2020 review of studies found that omega-3 fatty acids may help reduce rheumatoid arthritis disease activity. This may result in a reduction in joint tenderness and stiffness.
2020 review
More research is necessary to determine the benefits of omega-3 fatty acids on the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis.
If a person wishes to increase their intake of omega-3 fatty acids, they can do so with fish oil supplements or foods. Foods providing an adequate amount of omega-3s include:
Foods
fish and seafood, including: tunasalmonmackerelsardinesherring
tuna
tuna
salmon
salmon
mackerel
sardines
sardines
herring
nuts and seeds, such as chia seeds and walnuts
chia seeds
walnuts
plant oils, such as flaxseed oil and canola oil
flaxseed oil
canola oil
fortified foods
However, it is important to avoid taking too much omega-3. If a person gets a lot from their diet, then they may not benefit from taking supplements. They can talk with their doctor about how much omega-3 to aim for.
Omega-3s can also increase the risk of bleeding in people who take anticoagulants such as warfarin. It is best to contact a doctor for advice before taking fish oil supplements alongside any other medications.
can also increase
Learn more about omega-3 and fish oil.
omega-3 and fish oil
Ginger
Ginger (Zingiber officinale) is a flowering plant available in various sources, including capsules, tea, and foods.
Ginger
The Arthritis Foundation explains that there have been few studies looking into the benefits of ginger on rheumatoid arthritis.
Arthritis Foundation
However, a 2020 review looked at randomized controlled trials that assessed the possible effects of dietary and supplemental ginger on rheumatoid arthritis. Review authors found that some trials concluded positive effects, while others showed minimal or no improvement in disease activity.
2020 review
It is possible that ginger may reduce C-reactive protein, which is an inflammation marker. Because rheumatoid arthritis is an inflammatory condition, this means that ginger may help reduce joint inflammation, though more research is necessary.
Learn more about ginger for arthritis pain.
ginger for arthritis pain
Turmeric and curcumin
Curcumin is a chemical in turmeric. It gives turmeric its bright yellow color.
turmeric
The Arthritis Foundation explains that curcumin may block the same inflammation-promoting enzyme as celecoxib, which is a COX-2 inhibitor medication.
Arthritis Foundation
In a 2023 study, researchers looked at publications covering 539 people with rheumatoid arthritis. Results suggest that curcumin supplements can help reduce inflammation and symptoms in people with rheumatoid arthritis.
2023 study
However, researchers also state that large-sample randomized controlled trials are necessary.
Are supplements safe?
Supplements are generally safe as long as a person takes a safe dosage, according to the Arthritis Foundation. However, side effects and allergic reactions may still happen.
Arthritis Foundation
Some supplements may also interact with medications, so it is best to speak with a doctor before taking any supplements.
Frequently asked questions
There is no single best supplement for rheumatoid arthritis. Currently, there is not enough research to determine whether supplements can effectively treat rheumatoid arthritis, but cat’s claw, polyunsaturated omega-3 fatty acids, ginger, and curcumin may help reduce inflammation.
may help
Omega-3 fatty acids, cat’s claw, curcumin, and ginger may help manage inflammation in people with rheumatoid arthritis. Anti-inflammatory foods include fatty fish, fruits, vegetables, and olive oil.
include
Learn more about natural supplements for inflammation.
natural supplements for inflammation
There is no evidence that a vitamin deficiency causes rheumatoid arthritis. However, many people with rheumatoid arthritis have low levels of vitamin D.
many people
vitamin D
Summary
Although more research is necessary, some studies suggest that cat’s claw, omega-3 fatty acids, ginger, and curcumin may help manage inflammation and reduce symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis.
It is best to speak with a doctor before taking supplements. The doctor can advise on whether they recommend taking supplements as part of a treatment plan for rheumatoid arthritis as well as whether the supplements are likely to interact with any medications the individual is taking.