Intakes of vitamin E, zinc, and magnesium in patients were significantly lower and intakes of copper and selenium were significantly higher in patients with RA than recommended daily allowances (p < 0.05); vitamin C intake was associated with decreased IL-1β, zinc intake was associated with decreased IL-2, and magnesium intake was associated with decreased levels of both IL-1β and IL-2 (p< 0.05); vitamin E and copper increased catalase expression, an enzyme largely involved with anti-inflammatory pathways (p< 0.05). The gene discussed is IL2; the disease is rheumatoid arthritis.