Some supplements may help relieve symptoms of knee osteoarthritis and increase joint mobility. These could include collagen, curcumin, and Boswellia serrata, among others.
Treatment for knee osteoarthritis may include a combination of lifestyle changes, medications, and surgery to help relieve symptoms and reduce inflammation.
Some supplements may also form part of your treatment plan.
However, it’s important to note that limited research supports supplementation to help manage knee osteoarthritis.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) also doesn’t regulate supplements, so there’s no way to precisely know what a product contains.
For these reasons, the
Keep reading to learn more about some supplements you may be considering taking if you have osteoarthritis of the knee.
Omega 3 fatty acids are present in many foods and are available in supplement form, such as fish oil.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, omega-3 fatty acids are the
However, research on whether they’re beneficial for osteoarthritis of the knee is mixed.
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Similarly, a 2016 study in people with osteoarthritis found that a low dose of fish oil supplementation helped reduce pain levels after 2 years.
However, some researchers expressed concerns in regard to this study. They noted that consuming more than 3 grams of fish oil a day could be hazardous.
The
As such, it’s best to speak with a healthcare professional about your current treatment plan.
Research suggests that taking collagen supplements may help support knee health.
For example, a
Similarly, a
However, more studies are needed, as research has not concluded whether collagen can reduce cartilage damage or relieve osteoarthritis of the knee.
Collagen supplements are available:
- as tablets, in a concentrated form
- as gelatin or hydrolyzed collagen, in powder form
It’s important to speak with a healthcare professional to determine how much collagen you should take, if necessary.
The Arthritis Foundation recommends taking no more than 40 milligrams (mg) per day in tablet form. There’s no set amount for the powder form, but you shouldn’t exceed 10 mg.
Some foods may also help boost your body’s collagen production.
Curcumin, found in turmeric, has long played a role in Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine due to its anti-inflammatory properties.
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Researchers found that the participants who took curcumin instead of diclofenac had fewer negative effects.
This suggests that people who can’t take NSAIDs may be able to use curcumin instead. However, it’s best to speak with a healthcare professional about your osteoarthritis treatment options.
Resveratrol is another nutrient that has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. It’s found naturally in:
In a
People who took resveratrol reported more significant pain relief compared with those who took the placebo.
However, more research is needed to confirm the full benefits of resveratrol for knee osteoarthritis.
Boswellia serrata comes from the resin of the frankincense tree. Boswellic acids, present in Boswellia, may help decrease inflammation and promote joint health.
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Similarly, a
- restoring the biochemical balance in the joint
- reducing cartilage loss
That said, larger studies are needed to support the link between Boswellia serrata and knee osteoarthritis specifically.
Glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate are two dietary supplements sometimes taken together to help osteoarthritis of the knee.
According to the Arthritis Foundation, there’s limited research on whether these two supplements can benefit osteoarthritis in the knee. Of the available research, results are mixed.
For this reason, the
Devil’s claw (Harpagophytum procumbens), also known as grapple plant, may have
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That said, speak with a healthcare professional before taking Devil’s claw. It’s
Which vitamin is best for osteoarthritis?
Limited research supports the use of vitamins for osteoarthritis, according to the Arthritis Foundation. However, supplementation with vitamins D and K may help if you have deficiencies in either of them.
What supplement is used to treat osteoarthritis?
The FDA hasn’t approved any supplements to treat osteoarthritis, but limited research supports curcumin, omega-3 fatty acids, collagen, and resveratrol supplements for osteoarthritis.
Do osteoarthritis supplements work?
Research on the benefits of supplements for osteoarthritis is mixed. Some studies suggest they may help relieve symptoms and improve mobility. However, most authors agree that more research is needed to support supplementation for osteoarthritis.
Your knee osteoarthritis treatment plan will likely include a combination of dietary and lifestyle changes. Sometimes, this could include supplementation.
Speak with a healthcare professional before trying any supplements. Not all supplements are effective, and it’s essential to learn how to use them safely.
A doctor could suggest alternatives to supplements for your specific condition.