A Meta-Analysis of the Impact of Nutritional Supplementation on Osteoarthritis Symptoms

Study answer

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.

View full study detailsView sourceOpen PDF

Original abstract