Nutrition & Foodservice Edge Magazine - July/August 2023 - 9

Patients with both
osteoarthritis and
rheumatoid arthritis are
more likely to have
VITAMIN D
INSUFFICIENCY OR
DEFICIENCY.
OMEGA-3 FATTY ACIDS
Omega-3 fatty acids are a type of polyunsaturated fatty acid
known for several health benefits. These healthy fats may
play a role in both osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis,
due to their anti-inflammatory properties.
For example, a 2022 systematic review in Nutrients
concluded that omega-3 fatty acids may slow the breakdown
of cartilage and alleviate low-grade inflammation present
in osteoarthritis. These changes can improve function and
reduce symptoms. However, the authors note that further
research is needed.
Similarly, some studies have linked omega-3 fatty acid
supplements to improved rheumatoid arthritis symptoms.
A 2021 systematic review in Nutrition reviews found that
omega-3 supplements were linked to a reduction in disease
activity.
It's unclear whether the same benefits come from foods
versus supplements. But since omega-3 rich foods have so
many other positive impacts-like improving heart health
and cognitive health-it's smart to incorporate these into
your menu regardless.
The best sources of omega-3 fatty acids are in fatty fish, like
salmon, herring, and sardines. You can also get some omega3s
from foods like chia seeds, walnuts, and flaxseed, but
these sources aren't as impactful as fish.
Ideally, adults should eat fish at least twice a week - but
approximately 90 percent of people don't meet this
guideline. Consider out-of-the-box ways to include fish on
your menu to create variety. For example, could you use
canned fish to make a fun dip that could be served with
crackers? Or could you create a fish stew that includes a
tomato base and flavorful spices?
VITAMIN D
Several studies have noted patients with both osteoarthritis
and rheumatoid arthritis are more likely to have Vitamin D
insufficiency or deficiency. This seems to be more prevalent
among those with rheumatoid arthritis, with one paper in
the Journal of natural science, biology, and medicine noting
that 84 percent of rheumatoid arthritis participants had low
Vitamin D levels, compared to only 34 percent of controls
(those without the condition).
Because of this, additional research has investigated
the impact of supplementation. Among those with
osteoarthritis, studies suggest that Vitamin D
supplementation may improve pain and function among
those who were deficient.
Among patients with rheumatoid arthritis, some research
linked low Vitamin D levels to greater disease activity scores
(measuring the severity of symptoms). However, not all
studies have found this same connection.
Regardless of whether supplementation improves pain and
function, correcting Vitamin D deficiency is still essential
for overall health. There are limited food sources of Vitamin
D, so patients with a deficiency will need supplements
prescribed by a doctor.
As a foodservice manager, though, it's still essential to
include sources of Vitamin D on your menu to support
adequate intake for all residents. The best sources include:
* Fatty fish
* Egg yolks
* Fortified dairy products
* Fortified orange juice
* UV-irradiated mushrooms
NUTRITION & F OOD SER VICE EDGE | JULY-AUGUST 2023 9
Nutrition & Foodservice Edge Magazine - July/August 2023

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