A Meta-Analysis of the Impact of Nutritional Supplementation on Osteoarthritis Symptoms
What this study found
Curcumin and ginger showed the clearest benefit for knee osteoarthritis symptoms. Curcumin improved VAS pain and WOMAC function, with moderate improvement in total WOMAC and a decrease in ESR, although quality of life was not improved and CRP changed inconsistently. Ginger significantly reduced VAS pain (SMD = −3.76, 95% CI −6.88 to −0.65) and lowered ESR and CRP. Vitamin D produced small improvements in VAS pain and WOMAC function, vitamin E showed no significant clinical benefit, and omega-3, multivitamins, and herbal formulations had more limited or mixed effects.
- Study & population
- Systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized trials in adults with osteoarthritis, predominantly knee osteoarthritis.
- Intervention
- This review evaluated oral nutritional supplements used for osteoarthritis symptom control, including curcumin 1000 mg/day for 4 to 16 weeks, ginger 250 mg/day for 12 weeks, vitamin D 2000 to 3000 IU/day for 1 or 2 years, vitamin E 400 or 500 IU/day for 3, 8, or 96 weeks, omega-3 for 12 or 24 weeks, and multivitamin…
- Key limitation
- The evidence was heterogeneous in supplement type, dose, duration, and comparator, and many interventions were supported by only a few trials.
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Open PDFOriginal abstract
Conflicting evidence exists concerning the effects of nutrient intake in osteoarthritis (OA). A systematic literature review and meta-analysis were performed using PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library up to November 2021 to assess the effects of nutrients on pain, stiffness, function, quality of life, and inflammation markers. We obtained 52 references including 50 on knee OA. Twelve studies compared 724 curcumin patients and 714 controls. Using the standardized mean difference, improvement was significant with regard to pain and function in the curcumin group compared to placebo, but not with active treatment (i.e., nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, chondroitin, or paracetamol). Three studies assessed the effects of ginger on OA symptoms in 166 patients compared to 164 placebo controls. Pain was the only clinical parameter that significantly decreased. Vitamin D supplementation caused a significant decrease in pain and function. Omega-3 and vitamin E caused no changes in OA parameters. Herbal formulations effects were significant only for stiffness compared to placebo, but not with active treatment. A significant decrease in inflammatory markers was found, especially with ginger. Thus, curcumin and ginger supplementation can have a favorable impact on knee OA symptoms. Other studies are needed to better assess the effects of omega-3 and vitamin D.