Alcohol May Slow Rheumatoid Arthritis

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Finally, Lindsey said, the study dealt with prevention of arthritis, not its treatment.

The findings do suggest directions for possible trials, he said, perhaps among men with rheumatoid arthritis to see if their condition is affected by alcohol consumption.

However, there is no reason to change the standing recommendations for people with arthritis, he noted.

"The standard advice is to do everything in moderation, other than smoking," Lindsey said. "A couple of cups of coffee a day, one or two drinks a day, but no smoking."

Tarkowski saw some possibility in using acetaldehyde, a breakdown product of alcohol, in prevention of rheumatoid arthritis. However, Lindsey again cautioned that acetaldehyde "would have to be used in relatively small amounts because, in large amounts, it is toxic."

More information

For more on rheumatoid arthritis, head to the Arthritis Foundation.