Dietary and Other New Treatments for Arthritis
Osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis are quite common ailments. They can occur at any age but are more common in older people. Earlier studies have found that osteoarthritis is present in 40-60% of US adults over aged 40, while about 0.5% of adult men and 1.0% of adult women have rheumatoid arthritis. It was estimated the total US medical and economic costs of arthritis were $116 billion in 1997 (CDC).
A number of dietary interventions may be useful for arthritis. Several studies have reported that glucosamine/ chrondriotin supplements can significantly reduce pain, stiffness and swelling of arthritic joints. Glucosamine sulfate and chrondroitin sulfate compounds are found in health joint tissue and often become partially depleted in osteoarthritis patients. A review of 15 double-blind studies of 1775 patients with knee osteoarthritis found that use of either glucosamine or chondroitin sulfate significantly reduced patient reported knee pain and stiffness as compared to placebo (P<0.001 for both nutrients). In addition, 7 studies of 755 patients found significantly less joint narrowing in patients receiving glucosamine as compared to placebo (p<0.001). Doses in these studies were 1500 milligram/ day for glucosamine and 800 to 2000 milligram/ day for chrondroitin. The levels of adverse effects side effects in these studies was only 80% the level found in placebo patients. While glucosamine and chrondroitin are a safe and effective way of treating osteoarthritis, they have to be taken at least daily over a period of several months to get any significant benefit. This study was reported in Archives of Internal Medicine July 24, 2003.
A number of studies have reported that consumption of omega 3 fats are associated with significantly improved joint pain and stiffness for both osteo and rheumatoid arthritis patients. Some of these studies have reported that osteo arthritis patients who take omega 3 fats are often able to reduce their consumption of pain killers such as aspirin or ibuprofen. Other studies have reported that supplements of antioxidant vitamins (vitamins A,C,E) or high consumption of fruits and vegetables are associated with significantly levels of oxidative stress in the joints and may reduce joint pain and stiffness. Other studies have reported that supplements containing B complex vitamins, vitamin D, magnesium and zinc may be helpful in reducing arthritis symptoms. One study reported that SAM (S-Adenosyl Methionine) was helpful in relieving arthritis symptoms.
A number of herbal supplements show some promise in relieving arthritis symptoms. Such herbs or herbal extracts include cats claw (Uncaria tomentosa), turmeric (Curcuma longa), ginger (Zingiber officinale) and dandelion (Taraxacum officinale). Most of these herbs are helpful by reducing inflation in the joints.
A good review of effects of nutrition and herbs on rheumatoid arthritis is found in an In Press article in Rheumatology International by Petros Efthomiou and Manil Kukar.
Other recent research studies have found that the use of pulsed electro-magnetic field therapy (PEMF) can also improve arthritis symptoms. Some, but not all, studies have also reported that acupuncture can also be helpful in reducing pain and inflammation in osteo and rheumatoid arthritis.