OA Is Significantly Impacted by Weight, Diet

Patients with osteoarthritis (OA) likely benefit from weight reduction via exercise and cholesterol lowering by dietary means, especially since current treatment options for OA are very limited, according to a recent literature review.

For their review, the researchers identified 1190 articles via PubMed relating to the effects of OA, obesity, polyunsaturated fatty acids, cholesterol and vitamins A, C, D, E, and K on OA risk or progression. Ultimately, 68 articles were included in the final review.

Evidence indicated that, since obesity is associated with increased strain on weight-bearing joints, weight loss and exercise are especially important in OA.

Associations of metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes with OA risk or progression were also apparent in the review. With this in mind, the researchers noted patients with OA would likely benefit from dietary-lipid modification through increased consumption of long-chain omega-3 fatty-acids from oily fish/fish oil supplements.

Evidence also indicated a strong association between OA and elevated serum cholesterol, and that patients with OA would benefit from cholesterol reduction via statin use and dietary modifications.

The researchers also emphasized the importance of vitamin K consumption, which can play a role in bone and cartilage mineralization. However, they did not find that there was sufficient evidence to support vitamin D supplementation in OA.

—Christina Vogt

Reference:

Thomas S, Browne H, Mobasheri A, Rayman MP. What is the evidence for a role for diet and nutrition in osteoarthritis? [Published online April 17, 2018]. Rheumatology. https://doi.org/10.1093/rheumatology/key011