Rheumatoid arthritis is a preventable disease: 11 ways to reduce your patients' risk

New evidence shows that up to 40% of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) cases are attributable to exposure to potentially modifiable factors. We can now identify people at higher risk of RA (pre-RA) through their family history, risk factors, autoantibodies and symptoms. Counselling these patients to act to modify factors known to be associated with RA risk could prevent the development of RA, and evidence shows that informing individuals of their risk and of ways to reduce it leads to positive behavioural change and is not harmful. This consumer-focussed narrative review is targeted at primary care providers and physicians to describe 11 changes that can be made, based on current evidence linking potentially modifiable factors to RA risk. These evidence-based recommendations are: (i) cease smoking; (ii) reduce exposure to inhaled silica, dusts and occupational risks; (iii) maintain a healthy weight; (iv) increase leisure time physical activity; (v) maintain good dental hygiene; (vi) maximise breastfeeding if able; (vii) maximise dietary quality and avoid high-salt diets; (viii) consume high levels of omega-3 fatty acids and fish; (ix) reduce consumption of sugar-sweetened soft drinks; (x) consume moderate levels of alcohol; and (xi) remain vitamin D replete.