In the UK, more than 10 million people have arthritis, or other similar conditions that affect the joints. Although arthritis is more common in older people, it can affect people of all ages, including children. Arthritis can affect quality of life and make daily activities a challenge (such as climbing the stairs, preparing/cooking food).

It is important to have a well-balanced diet and maintain a healthy bodyweight when you live with arthritis. A healthy diet and lifestyle can help to manage the symptoms and also help reduce the risk of other diseases, such as obesity, cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes.

Diet is a topic of interest for many people living with arthritis. No special diet or ‘miracle food’ can cure arthritis, but there is a great deal of popular advice on diet and arthritis that does not have scientific evidence to support it and may be confusing.

The drop-down articles to the right-hand side looks at some of the dietary advice, and the evidence or lack of evidence, for two of the most common types of arthritis; osteoarthritis (OA) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA).