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Nutritional Interventions in Osteoarthritis: Mechanisms, Clinical Evidence, and Translational Opportunities
Milan Patel1, Gabriela Betanzos2, Marco Troka3
1New York Institute of Technology College of Osteopathic Medicine, Arkansas State University, Jonesboro, AR 72401, USA.
Abstract:
Osteoarthritis (OA) is a leading cause of chronic pain worldwide. This is driven by progressive cartilage degradation, inflammation, oxidative stress, and metabolic dysfunction. Current pharmacologic interventions mostly lead to symptomatic relief without actually affecting disease progression. Thus, there is a growing interest in the development of new interventional methods. Our review seeks to synthesize preclinical, translational, and clinical evidence on the impact nutritional methods have on OA management. Whole-diet approaches, such as Mediterranean and plant-based, have been linked to reduced pain, increased physical function, and positive biomarker changes. Bioactive compounds, including curcumin, polyphenols, omega-3 fatty acids, and select herbal extracts, have shown anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and chondroprotective effects via NF-κB, Nrf2, AMPK, and SIRT1 pathways. This review particularly focuses on plant-derived substances. Emerging nanoparticle technology with regard to advanced delivery systems shows initial promise in nutraceutical pharmacokinetics and tissue targeting. Overall, nutritional interventions are adjunct interventions to OA management. Although these are not full treatment replacements, dietary modifications and targeted nutraceutical strategies with improved delivery systems may lead to more preventive, personalized, and holistic OA management and care.
Insights
Nutritional strategies, including whole diets and bioactive compounds, show promise in managing osteoarthritis (OA) by reducing pain and inflammation. Advanced delivery systems may enhance the effectiveness of these dietary interventions for OA care.
Area of Science:
- Nutritional science
- Pharmacology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Osteoarthritis (OA) is a major cause of global chronic pain, characterized by cartilage degradation, inflammation, and metabolic issues.
- Current OA treatments offer symptomatic relief but do not halt disease progression, necessitating novel interventions.
- Nutritional approaches are gaining attention for their potential to modify OA pathogenesis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review preclinical, translational, and clinical evidence on nutritional interventions for osteoarthritis (OA) management.
- To synthesize findings on whole-diet approaches and specific bioactive compounds in OA.
- To explore the role of advanced delivery systems in nutraceuticals for OA.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review of scientific literature.
- Analysis of preclinical, translational, and clinical studies on nutrition and OA.
- Focus on plant-derived compounds and their mechanisms of action.
Main Results:
- Whole-diet interventions (Mediterranean, plant-based) correlate with reduced OA pain, improved function, and favorable biomarker shifts.
- Bioactive compounds (curcumin, polyphenols, omega-3s, herbal extracts) exhibit anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and chondroprotective effects.
- Nanoparticle technology shows potential for improving nutraceutical delivery and targeting in OA.
Conclusions:
- Nutritional interventions serve as valuable adjuncts to conventional OA management.
- Dietary modifications and targeted nutraceuticals, especially with enhanced delivery, offer potential for personalized and preventive OA care.
- While not replacements for standard treatments, these strategies contribute to a more holistic approach to OA.
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