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The utility of nutraceuticals in the treatment of osteoarthritis

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Abstract

Osteoarthritis (OA) treatment is limited by the inability of prescribed medications to alter disease outcome. As a result, patients with OA often take food substances called nutraceuticals in an attempt to affect the structural changes that occur within a degenerating joint. The role of nutraceuticals in OA management can be defined only by an evidence-based approach to support their use. This paper reviews the clinical trials studying glucosamine, chondroitin sulfate, vitamin C, vitamin E, and avocado-soybean unsaponifiables. It highlights the need for additional randomized, placebo-controlled trials to further define the utility of nutraceuticals in OA treatment.

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Correspondence to Daniel O. Clegg MD.

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Frech, T.M., Clegg, D.O. The utility of nutraceuticals in the treatment of osteoarthritis. Curr Rheumatol Rep 9, 25–30 (2007). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11926-007-0018-x

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