- Eating a large amount of red meat has been linked to
an increased risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis, scientists say.
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- A study showed people who ate meat every day had double
the risk of the disease compared to those who ate meat less, perhaps twice
a week.
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- Researchers studied the dietary habits of 25,000 people.
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- The University of Manchester study is published in the
journal Arthritis and Rheumatism.
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- Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) causes inflammation of the
membrane lining the joint, causing them to feel tender, stiff and swollen.
Around 387,000 in the UK have the condition.
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- Immune system trigger
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- Study participants were aged between 45 and 75 were recruited
via GP lists between 1993 and 1997. All were asked to complete a seven-day
food diary detailing exactly what they ate, and how large the portions
were.
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- Researchers then looked at the incidence of RAs among
the group until 2002.
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- They found 88 people had been diagnosed with RA, or a
related form of arthritis, and compared their diets with 176 healthy participants
to see how their eating habits differed.
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- The researchers suggest something in meat, perhaps collagen,
could trigger an immune system response, which may also affect joints.
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- Iron is another possible candidate. It has been shown
to accumulate in the rheumatoid synovial membrane, causing tissue damage.
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- Other studies have shown Mediterranean countries, where
red meat tends to feature less in diets, have lower levels of RA.
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- Vegetarian and vegan diets have also been linked to reduced
risk.
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- Professor Alan Silman, Director of the Arthritis Research
Campaign epidemiology unit at the University of Manchester, said: "Meat
consumption may be linked to either additives or even infectious agents,
but there is no evidence as to what might be important in relation to rheumatoid
arthritis."
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- He added: "This is the first time this link has
been made."
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- The people who developed RA were more likely to be former
smokers and to eat less food containing vitamin C, but the researchers
said the most significant difference between them was their meat-eating
habits.
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- The team also found that eating more protein overall,
including other forms of meat and plant protein, also increased the risk
of developing RA, while eating fat did not seem to raise the risk.
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- Other risk factors
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- A spokeswoman for the Arthritis Research Campaign, which
funds the epidemiology unit, said: "This study provides further evidence
that environmental factors can help to trigger rheumatoid arthritis.
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- "In the light of this new evidence we would suggest
that as part of a healthy lifestyle, people should cut down the amount
of red meat (beef and lamb) they eat."
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- She added: "We wouldn't want people to think that
if they eat four burgers a week they are going to develop rheumatoid arthritis
the following week because there are other risk factors that come into
play - genetic susceptibility, smoking, low intake of Vitamin C.
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- "Red meat in itself is not dangerous to health,
but should be eaten in moderation as part of a balanced, healthy diet."
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- Mo Atchia, a spokesman for Arthritis Care, added: "Diet
has become an increasingly important factor in living with arthritis, and
studies such as this one can only help our understanding of the way a person's
diet can impact on their condition.
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- "A low-fat, high-fibre diet, with plenty of fruit
and vegetables for people with arthritis is vital to maintaining good general
health."
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- © BBC MMIV
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- http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/4065433.stm
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