Supplements for RA (Rheumatoid Arthritis) to Avoid or Limit

3 Supplements to Avoid or Limit if You Have Rheumatoid Arthritis

3 Supplements to Avoid or Limit if You Have Rheumatoid Arthritis
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By
and Sarah Shelton
Updated on July 25, 2025
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Note: The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not approve supplements for safety or effectiveness. Talk to a healthcare professional about whether a supplement is the right fit for your individual health situation, and about any potential drug interactions or safety concerns.

At least half of adults with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) take dietary supplements.

 And research suggests that some supplements may in fact help reduce RA symptoms, such as turmeric and its active ingredient, curcumin.

But a number of supplements touted for rheumatoid arthritis relief may do more harm than good. Some might have a negative effect on people with RA, even if they benefit people who don’t have RA. Others can interfere with the way the body processes RA medications.

If you’re considering trying a supplement, first check with your rheumatologist, making sure to discuss all the medications you are currently taking. If your doctor gives you the okay, opt for products that are certified by USP, NSF, or ConsumerLab, which indicates third-party testing for quality and purity.

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Cat’s-Claw

What it is: This supplement is made from the root and bark of a vine found in the Amazon rainforest and Central America. Supplement producers may claim cat’s-claw helps RA by reducing inflammation.

Why it may be risky: The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, which is part of the National Institutes of Health, says that cat’s-claw might make the immune system more active, which can make symptoms of autoimmune diseases like RA worse. Cat’s-claw is also dangerous for people taking blood thinners and women who are or may be pregnant, and it may interact with blood pressure medications and other supplements.

Proponents of cat’s-claw for RA cite research that found the supplement reduced swelling and joint pain by more than 50 percent in comparison to a placebo. However, only 40 people took part in that study, and larger trials are necessary to confirm these findings.

Chaparral

What it is: Chaparral is a shrub that grows in the American Southwest and Mexico. Supplement producers make teas and pills from the leaves and twigs and promote them for the relief of numerous health problems, including rheumatic diseases.

Why it may be risky: No clinical studies support the claims that chaparral supplements are good for RA. What’s more, chaparral can be toxic to the liver. People who take methotrexate for RA should definitely avoid chaparral because of the increased risk of liver damage, which is already a concern with the drug.

Blue-Green Algae (Spirulina)

What it is: Blue-green algae is a group of bacteria that includes spirulina. Supplement makers market it as a remedy for high blood pressure and as a protein supplement. Proponents say it can also help with weight loss, boost the immune system, and treat viral infections.

Why it may be risky: When it comes to spirulina supplements, there have been no clinical studies showing a potential benefit for those with RA. Blue-green algae may also cause the immune system to become more active. Because the immune system is already overactive when you have RA, blue-green algae could theoretically further stimulate your immune system, worsening your symptoms.

Drug-Free Alternatives to Supplements for RA

If your goal in turning to supplements is to find drug-free ways to relieve RA pain and other symptoms, keep in mind that effective alternatives are available. Supplements and complementary treatments are not appropriate to use alone to treat or control rheumatoid arthritis, and they should be used only alongside your conventional treatment to help control symptoms. Always review your supplements with your health providers, as there can be many drug-herb interactions and harmful side effects.

In addition to supplements like turmeric, for which there is good evidence of an RA benefit, there are a range of complementary treatments to try for RA relief, including yoga, meditation, and massage. Taking steps to improve sleep with RA can also help.

The Takeaway

  • If you have rheumatoid arthritis, some supplements promoted to ease your symptoms may cause issues instead.
  • People with RA should avoid taking supplements that cause the immune system to become more active, such as cat’s-claw and blue-green algae.
  • Quality research is extremely lacking when it comes to evaluating the safety and effectiveness of many supplements for RA.
  • Always consult your healthcare team before trying out any new supplement.
EDITORIAL SOURCES
Everyday Health follows strict sourcing guidelines to ensure the accuracy of its content, outlined in our editorial policy. We use only trustworthy sources, including peer-reviewed studies, board-certified medical experts, patients with lived experience, and information from top institutions.
Resources
  1. Skiba MB et al. Nonvitamin, Nonmineral Dietary Supplement Use in Individuals With Rheumatoid Arthritis. The Journal of Nutrition. September 2020.
  2. Dudics S et al. Natural Products for the Treatment of Autoimmune Arthritis: Their Mechanisms of Action, Targeted Delivery, and Interplay With the Host Microbiome. International Journal of Molecular Sciences. July 23, 2018.
  3. Molina E. How to Discuss Anti-Inflammatory Diets and Supplements With Your Patients. The Rheumatologist. June 9, 2023.
  4. Supplement and Herb Guide for Arthritis Symptoms. Arthritis Foundation.
  5. Cat’s Claw. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. November 2024.
  6. Mur E et al. Randomized Double Blind Trial of an Extract From the Pentacyclic Alkaloid-Chemotype of Uncaria Tomentosa for the Treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis. The Journal of Rheumatology. April 2002.
  7. Chaparral. Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. February 11, 2021.
  8. Laliberte M. These 15 Myths About Rheumatoid Arthritis Can Be Downright Dangerous to Believe. Creaky Joints. September 25, 2018.
  9. What Is Spirulina and Why Is It So Good for You? Cleveland Clinic. May 19, 2025.
  10. Blue-Green Algae. MedlinePlus. October 27, 2023.
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Beth Biggee, MD

Medical Reviewer
Member of American College of Lifestyle Medicine, Castle Connolly Top Doctor

Beth Biggee, MD, is medical director and an integrative rheumatologist at Rheumission, a virtual integrative rheumatology practice for people residing in California and Pennsylvania. This first-of-its-kind company offers whole person autoimmune care by a team of integrative rheumatologists, lifestyle medicine practitioners, autoimmune dietitians, psychologists, and care coordinators.

Dr. Biggee also works as a healthcare wellness consultant for Synergy Wellness Center in Hudson, Massachusetts. Teamed with Synergy, she provides in-person lifestyle medicine and holistic consults, and contributes to employee workplace wellness programs. She has over 20 years of experience in rheumatology and holds board certifications in rheumatology and integrative and lifestyle medicine. Dr. Biggee brings a human-centered approach to wellness rather than focusing solely on diseases.

Dr. Biggee graduated cum laude with a bachelor's degree from Canisius College, and graduated magna cum laude and as valedictorian from SUNY Health Science Center at Syracuse Medical School. She completed her internship and residency in internal medicine at Yale New Haven Hospital, completed her fellowship in rheumatology at Tufts–New England Medical Center, and completed training in integrative rheumatology at the University of Arizona Andrew Weil Center for Integrative Medicine. Following her training, she attained board certification in rheumatology and internal medicine through the American Board of Internal Medicine, attained board certification in integrative medicine through the American Board of Physician Specialties, and attained accreditation as a certified lifestyle medicine physician through the American College of Lifestyle Medicine. She is certified in Helms auricular acupuncture and is currently completing coursework for the Aloha Ayurveda integrative medicine course for physicians.

In prior roles, Dr. Biggee taught as an assistant clinical professor of medicine at Mary Imogene Bassett Hospital (an affiliate of Columbia University). She was also clinical associate of medicine at Tufts University School of Medicine and instructed "introduction to clinical medicine" for medical students at Tufts. She was preceptor for the Lawrence General Hospital Family Medicine Residency.

Dr. Biggee has published in Annals of Rheumatic Diseases, Arthritis in Rheumatism, Current Opinions in Rheumatology, Journal for Musculoskeletal Medicine, Medicine and Health Rhode Island, and Field Guide to Internal Medicine.

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Beth W. Orenstein

Author

Beth W. Orenstein is a freelance writer for HealthDay, Radiology Today, the Living Well section of The American Legion Magazine, St. Luke’s University Health Network, and others. She is a magna cum laude graduate of Tufts University (1978), where she majored in English and was editor of the student newspaper for three years.

No matter the weather around her eastern Pennsylvania home, Orenstein either bikes 25 to 30 miles or walks at least 6 miles every day. Her one indulgence is blueberry pancakes — but only after biking a long distance.

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Sarah Shelton

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