Are coffee and tea rheumatoid arthritis risk factors? Contrary to previous reports, drinking four or more cups of coffee a day does not put women at risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis (RA), according to a new study partially funded by the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS). The study concluded that there is little evidence to support a connection between consuming coffee, decaffeinated coffee, or tea and the risk of rheumatoid arthritis among women.