Can rheumatoid arthritis be prevented?

Unfortunately, there is no known way to prevent rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

Routine blood testing of family members is not advised. Smoking has been shown to be a risk factor for the development of RA, and persistent smoking in patients suffering from RA may predict a poorer outcome.

Some medical practitioners believe that a lack of vitamin D may predispose one to autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis.

(Reviewed by Dr Dr I C Louw, Rheumatologist/Physician and Dr A Halland, Rheumatologist/Physician)