Recent research out of the Mayo Clinic has found that rheumatoid arthritis is on the increase among Caucasian women and that vitamin D deficiency is a factor. While there are many factors that influence arthritis, the researchers concluded that the most likely cause of the increase we are seeing is vitamin D deficiency, which has been rising, especially among women. Smoking is also commonly associatedwith causing rheumatoid arthritis. Another factor may be that the composition of female oral contraceptives has changed over the years. Oral contraceptives used to have more estrogen in them than they do today, which provides a protective benefit against rheumatoid arthritis. With less estrogen, there is less protective benefit. The best way to get vitamin D is through regular exposure to sunlight. Vitamin D3 supplements such as Beyond Health’s Vitamin D3 Formula are also a good option.…