Mixed
Higher consumption of ultraprocessed foods (UPFs) is positively associated with the prevalence of overall arthritis and specifically rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in U.S. adults, but not osteoarthritis (OA).
If you have arthritis or are at risk, reducing your intake of ultraprocessed foods (like sugary drinks, packaged snacks, and fast food) may help lower your risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis. This is because UPFs often drive inflammation and weight gain. You don't need to eliminate them entirely, but shifting your diet towards less processed options can have a measurable benefit.
In the U.S. adult population, a positive dose-response association between UPF intake and overall arthritis was observed. This association was seen for RA specifically but not for OA.
Why this rating
Large, nationally representative cross-sectional study (NHANES 2001-2018, N=37,275), but self-reported arthritis diagnosis and 24-hour dietary recall limit causal inference.
Source
Association Between Ultraprocessed Food Intake and Self-Reported Arthritis
Yanxin Zhu et al. · American Journal of Preventive Medicine · 2025
DOI 10.1016/j.amepre.2025.02.010
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