Evidence-Based Dietary Practices to Improve Osteoarthritis Symptoms: An Umbrella Review

Abstract

While there is some research investigating whole foods or diets that are easily understood and accessible to patients with osteoarthritis, specific nutrients or nutraceuticals are more commonly identified. Unfortunately, guidelines and evidence surrounding individual nutrients, extracts, and nutraceuticals are conflicting and are more difficult to interpret and implement for patients with osteoarthritis. The purpose of this umbrella review is to provide a comprehensive understanding of the existing evidence of whole foods and dietary patterns effects on osteoarthritis-related outcomes to inform evidence-based recommendations for healthcare professionals and identify areas where more research is warranted. A literature search identified relevant systematic reviews/meta-analyses using five databases from inception to May 2022. Five systematic reviews/meta-analyses were included in the current umbrella review. Most evidence supported the Mediterranean diet improving osteoarthritis-related outcomes (e.g., pain, stiffness, inflammation, biomarkers of cartilage degeneration). There was little to no evidence supporting the effects of fruits and herbs on osteoarthritis-related outcomes; however, there was some suggestion that specific foods could potentiate symptom improvement through antioxidative mechanisms. The overall lack of homogeneity between the studies limits the conclusions that can be made and highlights the need for quality research that can identify consumer-accessible foods to improve osteoarthritis-related symptoms.

Role of Nutrition in the Management of Patients with Chronic Musculoskeletal Pain

“…In 2023, an umbrella review conducted a comprehensive analysis, synthesizing and comparing data from five systematic reviews and meta-analyses covering evidence-based dietary practices aimed at improving OA symptoms. 58 The findings of this umbrella review strongly supported the Mediterranean diet as an effective approach for enhancing OA-related outcomes. 58 These improvements include alleviating pain, reducing stiffness, mitigating inflammation, and even addressing biomarkers associated with cartilage degeneration.…”

“…58 These improvements include alleviating pain, reducing stiffness, mitigating inflammation, and even addressing biomarkers associated with cartilage degeneration. 58 Conversely, there was limited to no evidence supporting the beneficial effects of fruits and herbs on these OA-related symptoms. 58 Although the overall lack of homogeneity between the studies limits the conclusions of the reviews and highlights the need for quality research that can identify consumer-accessible foods to improve CMP symptoms, 52,58 the vast body of evidence showcases promising findings.…”

“…58 Conversely, there was limited to no evidence supporting the beneficial effects of fruits and herbs on these OA-related symptoms. 58 Although the overall lack of homogeneity between the studies limits the conclusions of the reviews and highlights the need for quality research that can identify consumer-accessible foods to improve CMP symptoms, 52,58 the vast body of evidence showcases promising findings. Diverse dietary approaches and specific food components have demonstrated the potential to reduce pain and inflammation while enhancing the overall health and well-being of affected individuals.…”

“…(dietary patterns, nutrients, meal frequency) Relief comparable to antidepressants, improvement in musculoskeletal conditions[45,55,56] Mediterranean diet Alleviating pain, reducing stiffness, and addressing biomarkers in OA[58] Journal of Pain Research 2024:17https://doi.org/10.2147/JPR.S456202 DovePress 2227 Dovepress Nutrition/Diet are Important for Microbiota…”

Quadriceps Strength, Postural Stability, and Pain Mediation in Bilateral Knee Osteoarthritis: A Comparative Analysis with Healthy Controls

“…Finally, we hypothesize that pain mediates the relationship between quadriceps strength and postural stability in individuals with bilateral knee osteoarthritis. The findings from this research have the potential to advance our understanding of knee OA pathophysiology and contribute to the development of evidence-based interventions to improve functional outcomes and quality of life for individuals living with this debilitating condition [20][21][22]. Furthermore, the insights gained from this research may pave the way for more effective strategies to manage pain and optimize rehabilitation efforts for better long-term management of bilateral knee OA.…”