The effects of milk protein concentrate on the symptoms of osteoarthritis in adults: an exploratory, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial

doi:10.1016/S0011-393X(02)80049-2

Current Therapeutic Research

Volume 63, Issue 7, July 2002, Pages 430-442

https://doi.org/10.1016/S0011-393X(02)80049-2 Get rights and content

Abstract

Background: Reconstituted hyperimmune milk product has been shown to have anti-inflammatory qualities, prompting further research into its use for the relief of osteoarthritis symptoms. A concentrated form of this milk product, milk protein concentrate (MPC), contains the high-molecular-weight and low-molecular-weight components present in the reconstituted milk product.

Objective: The purpose of this exploratory study was to assess the effects of MPC on the symptoms of osteoarthritis in adults.

Methods: Patients aged ≥19 years with physician-diagnosed osteoarthritis with daily joint pain, stiffness, and immobility were eligible. This was a prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial lasting 6 weeks and having 3 treatment arms: MPC 2000 mg BID, glucosamine sulfate 500 mg TID, and placebo. Osteoarthritis symptoms were assessed using the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities (WOMAC) Osteoarthritis Index.

Results: Forty-two participants were enrolled (8 men, 34 women; mean age, 59 years [range, 34–86 years]); 35 patients (5 men, 30 women) completed the study. Due to significant baseline differences in 3 (stiffness, activities, and total) of the 4 (pain, stiffness, activities, and total) WOMAC Osteoarthritis Index scores in the placebo group compared with the MPC- and glucosamine sulfate—treated groups (P ≤ 0.05), the results of this study were restricted to the analysis of intragroup performance from baseline to the completion of the study. The results showed significant improvement from baseline to week 6 for the MPC-treated group for all 4 scores (P ≤ 0.005). In the glucosamine sulfate—treated group, a significant improvement was found in stiffness and total WOMAC Osteoarthritis Index scores from baseline to week 6 (P ≤ 0.05 for both) but not in the pain or activities scores. In the placebo group, no significant changes were found in any of the WOMAC Osteoarthritis Index scores.

Conclusion: The results of this study indicate that MPC, when given at a dose of 2000 mg BID, was effective in relieving the symptoms of osteoarthritis, including joint pain, joint stiffness, and immobility, in this patient population.

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The effects of milk protein concentrate on the symptoms of osteoarthritis in adults: an exploratory, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial

Abstract

Ueber Immunitat durch Verebung und Sangung

Ztschr Hyg Infect Krankh

Use of protective principles in milk and colostrum in prevention of disease in man and animals

Lancet

Cholesterol-lowering effect of skim milk from immunized cows in hypercholesterolemic patients

Am J Clin Nutr

Cholesterol-lowering and blood pressure effects of immune milk

Am J Clin Nutr

The anti-inflammatory activity of a low molecular weight component derived from the milk of hyperimmunized cows

Agents Actions

A low molecular weight component derived from the milk of hyperimmunised cows suppresses inflammation by inhibiting neutrophil emigration

Agents Actions

The Ohio Survey Results and Methods, 1961–1989, Archives

Protection of gnotobiotic rats against dental caries by passive immunization with bovine milk antibodies to Streptococcus mutans

Infect Immun

Modulation of mouse ear edema by cyclooxygenase and lipoxygenase inhibitors and other pharmacologic agents

Agents Actions

Tachyphylaxis in 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol acetate- and arachidonic acid-induced ear edema

J Invest Dermatol