Folate, vitamin B-12 and riboflavin status of active and sedentary elderly women with Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)

Arthritis is the most frequent and disabling chronic illness for older adults, especially women. This study examined the relationship between physical activity (≥ 4 h/wk for ≥ 5 y), nutrition and RA in women (56-77 y; mean BMI = 24.5 kg/m²; mean body fat = 41%). Subjects were classified into 4 groups: active with RA (n=12); sedentary with RA (n=13); active without RA (n=11); sedentary without RA (n=13). Diet and supplement use was assessed using 7-d weighed food records. Blood values of folate, red blood cell (RBC) folate, riboflavin (using erythrocyte glutathione reductase activity coefficient [EGRAC]), B-12 and mean cell volume (MCV) were determined. There were no differences among groups for any variables using ANOVA. RA Active RA Sed. Control Active Control Sed. EGRAC 1.01±0.16 0.95±0.09 0.99±0.10 1.00±0.13 Folate (ng/ml) 16.1±6.7 14.3±7.6 12.2±7.6 14.1±5.3 RBC Folate 494±164 385±158 375±115 467±128 B12 (pg/ml) 632±290 692±396 648±461 602±377 MCV (fl) 95±6 92±6 90±5 93±4 In subjects not using a B-complex supplement (28%), one RA active subject had poor status for folate, B-12 and riboflavin. Due to high supplement use it is difficult to determine if activity and RA alter nutritional status.