New research shows that intake of oily fish is associated with a reduced risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis (RA); however, psychosocial work stress and smoking can increase the risk of developing the condition.

This is the first time oily fish has been demonstrated to have a protective effect against the development of RA. It can reduce an individual's risk by 20 to 30 percent.

Annmarie Wesley, lead author of the oily fish intake study, commented that: "The findings from these studies add to an increasing body of evidence to support the assertion that lifestyle modifications can have a significant impact on an individual's risk for developing RA, one of the most common autoimmune diseases".