Milk-Fat Globule Membrane Plus Glucosamine Improves Joint Function and Physical Performance: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Parallel-Group Study

Abstract

Care of the musculoskeletal system, including the muscles, joints, and bones, is important for a healthy life expectancy in today's aging society. The aim of this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study was to investigate the effect of consumption of milk-fat globule membrane (MFGM) and glucosamine on joint function and physical performance. Participants were healthy Japanese men and women, aged 60-74 y, with a history of mild knee or low back pain at rest. They were randomized to receive tablets containing MFGM 1.0 g1glucosamine 1.5 g or placebo tablets for 8 wk. We assessed passive range of motion, active range of motion (self-reported VAS score), JKOM and JLEQ, and physical performance. Data were available for analysis for 25 participants in the active treatment group and 28 in the placebo group. The active group showed significant improvements in passive range of motion at the knee and active range of motion at both the knee and low back. The active group also showed significant improvements in some physical performance, including obstacle walking speed and speed of ascending stairs. The findings of this study suggest that consumption of a combination of MFGM and glucosamine may improve joint function and physical performance.

Milk fat globule membrane: An overview with particular emphasis on its nutritional and health benefits

“…Combined MFGM intake (1 g/day) and exercise or exercise alone effectively improved the walking speed and other walking parameters of Japanese women >75 years old (Kima et al 2019). The effect of the combined intake of MFGM and glucosamine on the physical performance of healthy Japanese subjects aged 60-74 years with a history of mild knee or lower back pain at rest, was assessed in a randomised double-blind study (Suzukamo et al 2019). Subjects were randomised to receive daily tablets containing 1.0 g MFGM + 1.5 g glucosamine or placebo tablets for 8 weeks.…”

“…The effect of the combined intake of MFGM and glucosamine on the physical performance of healthy Japanese subjects aged 60–74 years with a history of mild knee or lower back pain at rest, was assessed in a randomised double‐blind study (Suzukamo et al . 2019). Subjects were randomised to receive daily tablets containing 1.0 g MFGM + 1.5 g glucosamine or placebo tablets for 8 weeks.…”

Milk Fat Globular Membrane: Composition, Structure, Isolation, Technological Significance and Health Benefits

“…The MFGM regulated the gene expression for energy metabolism, increased oxygen intake, lipid oxidation, energy recharge and fat catabolism in 12 a week study. Similar studies on physical performance in human were studied [79][80][81]. Most of the studies are focused only on the supplemented MFGM fraction, study shall also be focused on natural MFGM rich dairy products intake and their effect on weight gain and loss in athletes.…”

The Identified Hub Gene GlcN in Osteoarthritis Progression and Treatment

“…GlcN can be used to repair articular cartilage, promote joint synovial fluid, and effectively reduce the friction of the joint surface [ 8 ]. It can also play an anti-inflammatory effect, reduce joint pain, improve joint function, and effectively prevent the development of osteoarthritis [ 9 ].…”