Fiber supplement reduces arthritis pain in Nottingham trial
Researchers at the University of Nottingham found a daily fiber supplement reduced knee arthritis pain and improved strength.
A clinical trial involving one hundred seventeen adults tested a prebiotic fiber called inulin against physical therapy and placebo groups over six weeks. Participants taking the supplement reported significant reductions in pain while also showing improved grip strength compared to other groups.
The study revealed that only a small fraction of people dropped out when taking the fiber alone compared to those following a digital physical therapy program. This suggests that the dietary approach is considerably easier for patients to stick with than structured exercise routines.
Inulin acts as a prebiotic by feeding beneficial gut bacteria which then produce short-chain fatty acids that may influence pain perception. Higher levels of a hormone called GLP-1 were also observed in participants taking the supplement alongside increased grip strength.
The findings indicate that better digestive health might help manage arthritis symptoms effectively. This approach offers a new direction for treatment by looking beyond the joints themselves to the digestive system. The new data does not claim to replace standard therapies but instead highlights a helpful extra method that can work alongside current medical care.