Arthritis sufferers live after taking into account the possibility that

[HysteryDiagnosis]

B-6 levels and blood homocysteine levels have a bearing on their rheumatoid condition.

http://www.sciencedirect.com/science?_ob=ArticleURL&_udi=B758G-4RY6RKN-G&_user=10&_coverDate=03%2F31%2F2008&_rdoc=14&_fmt=summary&_orig=browse&_srch=doc-info(%23toc%2312926%232008%23998919996%23681783%23FLA%23display%23Volume)&_cdi=12926&_sort=d&_docanchor=&_ct=35&_acct=C000050221&_version=1&_urlVersion=0&_userid=10&md5=7c3f4963b89fe45c4e352e0d1a164c36
Abstract
Objective

The purpose of this study was to determine if nonsupplementing older women (aged ≥55 years) with rheumatoid arthritis had higher plasma homocysteine and lower B-vitamin status compared to healthy controls. Elevated plasma homocysteine, a risk factor for cardiovascular disease, may help explain why individuals with rheumatoid arthritis have an increased risk of cardiovascular disease.
Methods

Older, free-living women were classified as rheumatoid arthritis (n=18) or healthy control (n=33). Participants were not using B-vitamin supplements. Fasting blood samples were measured for pyridoxal 5′phosphate (PLP) (the metabolically active coenzyme form of vitamin B-6), folate, red blood cell folate, vitamin B-12, transcobalamin II, homocysteine, C-reactive protein, and lipid concentrations. Participants completed 7-day weighed food records, the Stanford Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ), and a visual analog pain scale.