Fiber Supplement Reduces Knee Arthritis Pain in 6 Weeks

Researchers at the University of Nottingham conducted a six-week clinical trial to test the effects of a prebiotic fiber called inulin on people with knee osteoarthritis.

The study involved 136 participants, with 117 completing the trial. Participants were divided into four groups, including one receiving inulin, one undergoing physiotherapy, one receiving both, and one taking a placebo.

Inulin, found in foods like onions and garlic, passes through the small intestine and is fermented by gut bacteria into short-chain fatty acids, including butyrate, which may influence inflammation and pain.

Participants receiving inulin showed improvements in grip strength, pain sensitivity, and levels of the gut hormone GLP-1, while physiotherapy improved mobility and standing speed.

The study found that inulin was well-tolerated, though 23 of 50 participants reported minor digestive issues like gas and bloating. Physiotherapy groups had higher dropout rates, suggesting supplements may be easier to maintain.

While the trial suggests fiber could be a useful addition to arthritis treatment, larger studies are needed to confirm long-term benefits and mechanisms.