Dietary supplements for treating osteoarthritis: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Liu X, Machado GC, Eyles JP, Ravi V, Hunter DJ
Published in British Journal of Sports Medicine
Methodology
Systematic review with random-effects meta-analysis and meta-regression of 69 randomised controlled trials covering 20 oral supplements versus placebo for hand, hip or knee osteoarthritis, searching MEDLINE, EMBASE, CENTRAL, AMED and CINAHL to April 2017
Key Findings
Seven supplements (collagen hydrolysate, passion fruit peel extract, Curcuma longa extract, Boswellia serrata extract, curcumin, pycnogenol and L-carnitine) produced large short-term pain reductions; glucosamine and chondroitin reached statistical significance of unclear clinical importance; benefits were short-term only.
Conclusions
The strongest supplement signals in osteoarthritis are curcumin/turmeric and Boswellia, but effects are short-term and trial quality is variable.
Limitations
Many small, low-quality trials; short follow-up; no long-term or structural outcomes.
Supplements Studied
Of 20 supplements investigated in 69 eligible studies, 7 (collagen hydrolysate, passion fruit peel extract, Curcuma longa extract, Boswellia serrata extract, curcumin, pycnogenol and L-carnitine) demonstrated large (effect size >0.80) and clinically important effects for pain reduction at short term.
Of 20 supplements investigated in 69 eligible studies, 7 (collagen hydrolysate, passion fruit peel extract, Curcuma longa extract, Boswellia serrata extract, curcumin, pycnogenol and L-carnitine) demonstrated large (effect size >0.80) and clinically important effects for pain reduction at short term.
Related Health Concerns
Study Details
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Disclosures
Funding
Not reported
This information is for educational purposes only. Always consult a healthcare professional before starting any supplement regimen.