Should people with arthritis drink coffee?

I suffer from arthritis, and I experience aches and pains, especially when the weather turns cold. I drink coffee daily, and sometimes the pain worsens after drinking it. Does coffee affect my condition? (Hoa Tien, Quang Ninh )

Reply:

Coffee is a stimulant of the central nervous system, enhancing alertness, memory, concentration, and physical performance. Without added sugar or milk, this beverage is low in calories and provides many nutrients such as polyphenols (antioxidants), vitamins B2, B3, B5, manganese, potassium, and magnesium. Therefore, when consumed in moderation, coffee offers many health benefits.

For people with arthritis, coffee has both advantages and disadvantages, depending on the type of arthritis, the type of coffee consumed, and the daily amount drunk.

Gout

A 2016 meta-analysis in South Korea involving over 175,000 people showed that consuming one or more cups of coffee per day can reduce uric acid levels. High levels of uric acid in the blood, forming urate salt crystals that deposit in the joints, are the cause of acute gout attacks. The study noted positive effects on gout patients from both caffeinated and decaffeinated coffee.

Rheumatoid arthritis

Coffee contains antioxidants and other compounds that help protect the body's cells from inflammation and tissue damage caused by free radicals. Free radicals play a major role in the development of many inflammatory diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis.

In theory, drinking a lot of coffee may partially prevent rheumatoid arthritis or reduce pre-existing arthritis symptoms such as joint pain. However, the results of actual research are still inconclusive.

Some studies have found no increased link between caffeinated or decaffeinated coffee and the risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis. However, a 2019 study published in the Journal of Clinical Rheumatology , involving 76,850 women, found a higher risk of rheumatoid arthritis with decaffeinated coffee compared to caffeinated coffee.

Another study in 2020 in the UK showed that coffee consumption may increase the risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis because it is linked to antibodies formed in response to the disease.

Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis is a form of arthritis that occurs due to the gradual wear and tear of the articular cartilage. Aging is the most common risk factor for osteoarthritis.

Caffeine consumption negatively impacts cartilage and bone development, potentially increasing the risk of osteoarthritis. A 2020 study published in Spain recommended avoiding or limiting caffeine intake to prevent osteoarthritis.

He didn't specify what type of arthritis he has. If he experiences frequent, persistent, and worsening joint pain that affects his daily activities and mobility, he should see a specialist as soon as possible for an accurate diagnosis and timely treatment.

Health experts suggest that a safe daily caffeine intake is around 400 mg, or about four 200 ml cups of coffee. Caffeine helps boost metabolism, support weight loss, increase alertness, reduce fatigue, aid physical activity during exercise, and lower the risk of cardiovascular disease.

Drinking too much coffee, with caffeine intake exceeding 400 milligrams per day, can have negative effects such as increased heart rate, restlessness, headaches, fatigue, poor concentration, difficulty sleeping, and digestive problems. Caffeine also acts as a mild diuretic, stimulating the excretion of salt and water through urine, which can lead to mild dehydration. Adding cream, sugar, or other sweeteners to coffee increases health risks. For example, the added calories and sugar can contribute to weight gain and increase the risk of diabetes.

MSc. Dr. Dinh Pham Thi Thuy Van
Orthopedic Trauma Center
Tam Anh General Hospital, Ho Chi Minh City

Readers can ask questions about musculoskeletal disorders here for doctors to answer.

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