The most commonly deficient vitamins for people dealing with rheumatoid arthritis are vitamin C, vitamin B6, folate (vitamin B9), vitamin D, vitamin B12 and vitamin E.  It is preferable to get these vitamins in your diet however if that is not possible then supplements can be used.   There are many reasons that people with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) are deficient in these nutrients many of which are the treatments for the disease. 

• Folate (Folic Acid/ Vitamin B9)  is not stored in the body so it is important to get a daily dose.  Folate deficiency can cause anemia, weight loss, loss of appetite,  and diarrhea. Folic acid is used to manufacture red blood cells. It can be found in leafy green vegetables such as spinach and turnips greens.  It is also found in broccoli, asparagus, dry beans and peas as well as mushrooms and fortified grains and cereal.  It is important to keep fortified milk and grains away from strong light because vitamins are easily destroyed by light.  Supplements should be stored at room temperature.  How much folate you need daily may depend on the medication you are taking.  People taking methotrexate require higher doses.  Make sure to check with you physician.

• Vitamin C is also known as ascorbic acid Vitamin C  and is necessary for growth and repair of tissues in all parts of your body. It is important for the formation of collagen, an important protein used to make skin, tendons, ligaments, and blood vessels. Vitamin C is essential for  healing  wounds, and for healthy cartilage, bones, and teeth. Vitamin C is a water-soluble vitamin which means that the body does not store it.  Excess vitamin C that the body does not use leave the body through the urine.  Daily dosage for adult men is 90mg/day and for adult women is 75mg/day.  Low levels of vitamin C can lead to anemia, decreased ability for fight infection, joint inflammation, gingivitis, easy bruising, and possible weight gain due to slowed metabolism. 

• Vitamin B6 is important for our nervous system health. It regulates the productions of serotonin, melatonin and epinephrine. It is also important in the processing of carbohydrates.  Vitamin B6 is able to remove sulfur from other molecules so it helps maintain hormone balance and the elimination of toxic substances.  Vitamin B6 plays a key role in the formation of new cells.  It is also important for the formation of red blood cells.  Deficiencies can lead to anemia, fatigue and malaise. Daily dosage of 100 milligrams for adults should not be exceeded because vitamin B6 toxicity can lead to imbalances in the nervous system.  It can be naturally in tuna, bananas, chicken and turkey breast, cod and salmon. 

• Vitamin D is found in many dietary sources such as fish, eggs, fortified milk, and cod liver oil. The sun also contributes significantly to the daily production of vitamin D, and as little as 15 minutes of exposure is thought to be enough to prevent deficiencies. The most important function of vitamin D is to maintain normal blood levels of calcium and phosphorus. Vitamin D aids in the absorption of calcium, helping to form and maintain strong bones. Recently, research also suggests vitamin D may provide protection from osteoporosis, hypertension (high blood pressure), cancer, and several autoimmune diseases. In adults, vitamin D deficiency can lead to a condition called osteomalacia, which results in muscular weakness in addition to weak bones. People who may be at risk for vitamin D deficiencies include the elderly, the obese and those who have limited sun exposure. 

• Vitamin E is a fat soluble vitamin. It is found naturally in some foods and is an antioxidant. Antioxidants protect cells from free radicals which damage cells.  Vitamin E is important for healthy immune function. Vitamin E is found in avocados, egg yolk, nuts, wheat germ, whole grains, and peanut butter.  Because vitamin E is stored in the body large doses can  lead to toxicity.  For adult men 10 milligrams/day and for adult women 8 milligrams/day is enough to gain the benefits and not lead to  overdose.

• Vitimin B12  is an essential water-soluble vitamin. It can be found in shellfish, fish, meat, and dairy products.Vitamin B12 helps to maintain healthy nerve cells and red blood cells. It is also needed to make DNA. Vitamin B12 is bound to the protein in food. Hydrochloric acid in the stomach releases B12 from protein during digestion. Vitamin B12 deficiency can result from being unable to absorb vitamin B12 in the intestinal tract and can cause pernicious anemia. Vegetarians or vegans who are not taking in proper amounts of B12 are also prone to a deficiency in vitamin b12.