Nutrition News: Can You Eat to Beat Arthritis?

The studies and their findings that are presented in this article are for informational purposes only and are not meant to take the place of the advice of your doctor. By providing you with this information, Genzyme Corporation is not endorsing its content. You should consult with your doctor before starting any new health regimen.

The severity of osteoarthritis (OA) symptoms often varies from day to day, and so does the makeup of your diet. Could the two be related? It's a natural question—one that researchers have asked in hundreds of studies. A recent review of the published research (Arthritis Research and Therapy, 2006) found 18 food compounds or dietary supplements that had been shown to decrease OA symptoms in at least one randomized controlled study. But the scientific study of specific food components to prevent or treat arthritis is still relatively new, and the research on most of these substances was too weak or contradictory for firm conclusions to be drawn.

Food for thought

After combing the scientific literature, the review authors found 53 randomized controlled studies—a high standard in medical research—that looked at various food compounds and dietary supplements in people with OA. Then they calculated the strength of the evidence for each compound or supplement. Only one met the criteria for "good" evidence: a mixture of avocado and soybean oil, also known as avocado/soybean unsaponifiables (ASU). Sold as a supplement in the United States, ASU is available in France as a prescription treatment for OA. Well-controlled studies have suggested that ASU may reduce OA pain and might slow down narrowing of joint space, a sign that arthritis is getting worse.

The review authors also found "moderate" evidence for SKI306X, a mixture of plant extracts that's approved for treating OA in Korea, and methylsulfonylmethane (MSM), a sulfur compound found in very small amounts in fruits, corn, tomatoes, tea, coffee, and milk. Overall, they concluded that certain food compounds may help relieve OA symptoms, but it's less clear whether such compounds also might slow down the disease's progression.

Healthy appetites

More research is needed before scientists can say for sure whether certain food compounds and dietary supplements might be useful for managing OA. In the meantime, though, experts agree that people with OA—like everyone else—can benefit from eating with nutrition in mind. A healthful diet emphasizes fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, and limits saturated and trans fats, added sugars, and salt. Other smart food choices include fish, beans, nuts, lean meats, skinless poultry, and fat-free or low-fat milk and dairy products. This type of diet promotes better health and helps control weight.

If you choose to use dietary supplements, be aware that some may have unwanted side effects or interact harmfully with certain medications. In the United States, supplements also aren't required to be standardized—in other words, to show that the product is consistent from batch to batch—so it's not easy to know exactly what you're getting. Before taking a supplement, talk to your doctor to make sure it's appropriate for you.

The bottom line

Researchers are just starting to explore the food-OA connection. The role played by specific food compounds is still uncertain. But when it comes to diet in general, it's clear that you really are what you eat—and healthful food choices make for a healthier body.

References

  1. Arthritis Foundation. Diet and your arthritis. Available at: http://www.arthritis.org/resources/nutrition/diet.asp. Accessed July 18, 2007.
  2. "Osteoarthritis and Nutrition. From Nutraceuticals to Functional Foods: A Systematic Review of the Scientific Evidence." L.G. Ameye and W.S.S. Chee. Arthritis Research and Therapy. 2006, vol. 8, no. 4, article R127.
  3. Arthritis Foundation. Alphabet soup: an A-to-Z guide to favorite foods. Available at: http://www.arthritis.org/resources/nutrition/undiet.asp
  4. Alternative Treatments for Arthritis: An A to Z Guide. D. Foltz-Gray. Atlanta, GA: Arthritis Foundation, 2005.
  5. American Heart Association. Our 2006 diet and lifestyle recommendations. Available at: http://www.americanheart.org/presenter.jhtml?identifier=851. Accessed July 18, 2007.
  6. National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements. Dietary supplements: background information. Available at: http://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/DietarySupplements.asp. Accessed July 18, 2007.

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