The utility of nutraceuticals in the treatment of osteoarthritis.
Osteoarthritis (OA) treatment is limited by the inability of prescribed medications to alter disease outcome. As a result, patients with OA often take food substances called nutraceuticals in an attempt to affect the structural changes that occur within a degenerating joint. The role of nutraceuticals in OA management can be defined only by an evidence-based approach to support their use. This paper reviews the clinical trials studying glucosamine, chondroitin sulfate, vitamin C, vitamin E, and avocado-soybean unsaponifiables. It highlights the need for additional randomized, placebo-controlled trials to further define the utility of nutraceuticals in OA treatment.
Frech
Tracy M
TM
Division of Rheumatology, University of Utah School of Medicine, George E. Wahlen Veterans Affairs Medical Center, 4B200 School of Medicine, 50 North Medical Drive, Salt Lake, UT 84132, USA.
Clegg
Daniel O
DO
D001205:Ascorbic Acid / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002358:Cartilage, Articular / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000502:physiology; D002809:Chondroitin Sulfates / Q000627:therapeutic use; D019587:Dietary Supplements; D005944:Glucosamine / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D010003:Osteoarthritis / Q000188:drug therapy*; D027421:Persea; D010936:Plant Extracts / Q000627:therapeutic use; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; D013025:Glycine max; D014810:Vitamin E / Q000627:therapeutic use
D010936:Plant Extracts; D014810:Vitamin E; D002809:Chondroitin Sulfates; D005944:Glucosamine; D001205:Ascorbic Acid