title: Non-allopathic adjuvant management of osteoarthritis by alkalinisation of the diet.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Osteoarthritis (OA) is a chronic condition. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs recommended for treatment have serious adverse effects. A compelling body of anecdotal evidence alerted the authors to the therapeutic potential of dietary supplementation with Multiforce® (MF) Alkaline Powder for relief of OA symptoms.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  The aim of the study was to test the hypothesis that dietary supplementation with MF relieves clinical signs and symptoms of OA of the hands.
  
  
  METHODS
  The study was done at the MEDSAC hospital in Somerset West, Western Cape, South Africa.
  
  
  METHODS
  The research was conducted in two stages. An open interventional study (n = 40) confirmed the notion that MF 7.5 g twice daily is likely to be an effective alternative or adjunct for relief of symptoms of OA of the hands. The main study was conducted with 100 eligible, consenting volunteers (aged 47-89 years) according to a randomised, placebo-controlled, crossover design. Study duration was 56 days, 28 days per regimen; crossover to alternate regimens took place on day 28.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Compared to placebo, MF intake over 28 days was associated with significant reductions ( p &lt; 0.005) in pain, tenderness and stiffness of interphalangeal and metacarpophalangeal joints of the hand. Confirmation of systemic alkalinisation by MF, which is rich in organic anions in the form of citrate salts, was reflected by a significant and sustained increase in urine pH.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  A dietary supplement, Multiforce® Alkaline Powder, containing citrate salts which are converted into bicarbonate in vivo, was efficacious and safe as sole therapeutic intervention, significantly attenuating OA-associated signs and symptoms of the hands.
authors.affiliation: Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Department of Pathology, Stellenbosch University. dpvv@sun.ac.za.
authors.forename: David P
authors.initials: DP
authors.lastname: van Velden
authors.forename: Helmuth
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Reuter
authors.forename: Martin
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Kidd
authors.forename: F Otto
authors.initials: FO
authors.lastname: Müller
mesh_terms: D000277:Adjuvants, Pharmaceutic / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000863:Antacids / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D018592:Cross-Over Studies; D019587:Dietary Supplements; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010003:Osteoarthritis / Q000188:drug therapy*; D013019:South Africa
chemical_list: D000277:Adjuvants, Pharmaceutic; D000863:Antacids