Common Prebiotic Fiber May Ease Knee Arthritis Pain

ScienceDaily.com reports that a new clinical trial conducted by researchers at the University of Nottingham has found that taking inulin each day significantly reduced pain among participants with Osteoarthritis (OA). Participants who took the supplement also showed stronger grip and reduced sensitivity to pain, while the group had far fewer dropouts than those assigned to a digital physiotherapy program.

"This study raises the exciting possibility that a simple dietary change -- adding a fiber supplement to your breakfast or yogurt -- could meaningfully reduce pain and improve physical function," said Dr. Afroditi Kouraki, lead author of the study from the School of Medicine at the University of Nottingham." according to the University of Nottingham release,

Dr. Kouaki further states, "Our findings suggest that targeting gut health with a prebiotic supplement is a safe, well-tolerated, and effective way to reduce pain in people with knee osteoarthritis. The very low dropout rate compared to the exercise group is also encouraging from a public health perspective -- people were able to fit this supplement easily into their daily lives."

"How Prebiotic Fiber May Influence Pain

The gut microbiome consists of trillions of bacteria that live in the digestive system and affect many aspects of health, including the way the body experiences pain. Inulin is a prebiotic, which means it provides nourishment for beneficial gut bacteria.

When these bacteria consume inulin, they produce short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs). One of the most important is butyrate, a compound that can affect inflammation and the biological pathways involved in pain throughout the body.

Participants who received inulin had higher levels of both butyrate and glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) -- a gut hormone associated with pain regulation and muscle health. Increased GLP-1 levels were also linked to better grip strength, suggesting a possible connection between gut health and muscle function that researchers believe deserves further study.

Inulin and Physiotherapy Reduced Pain

The six-week randomized controlled trial included 117 adults with knee OA. Participants were divided into four groups that received inulin alone, digital physiotherapy-supported exercise (PSE) alone, both treatments together, or a placebo.

"The results, which are published in the journal Nutrients, suggest that improving gut health could be a promising new approach to managing one of the most common and debilitating chronic conditions in older adults."

According to the Cleveland Clinic, Inulin is "created by plants and is then used as an energy source by them. This prebiotic dietary fiber is a type of carbohydrate that’s not digested in your body, but is used as “food” by your gut’s good bacteria."

Inulin is "found in many fruits, grains and vegetables like:

• Artichokes, specifically Jerusalem artichokes.

• Asparagus.

• Bananas.

• Burdock.

• Chicory root.

• Garlic.

• Leek.

• Oats.

• Onions.

• Soybeans.

• Wheat.

• Wild yams."

"Inulin is available in capsule, gummy, tablet and powder forms, too."

Healthline states that "a typical dose suggested by commercial supplement brands is around 3 grams (g) per day.", but writes that "the dosage might differ depending on the problem you’re looking to address, and it’s a good idea to consult your doctor to determine how much you should take"

This article on WebMD, provides an good review of the use, side effects and precautions when considering taking inulin.

The National Institute of Health (NIH) has an extensive article on the effects of inulin.