The supplement containing the prebiotic fiber inulin reduces joint pain.
Scientists have discovered that improving gut health may reduce pain in osteoarthritis. In a clinical study, specialists from the University of Nottingham demonstrated that a supplement containing the prebiotic fiber inulin reduces knee pain and improves physical function in patients. The results of the study were published in the journal Nutrients.
In a six-week randomized trial, 117 adults with knee osteoarthritis participated. The participants were divided into four groups: one received inulin, another engaged in digital physiotherapy, a third combined both approaches, and the fourth received a placebo. It turned out that daily intake of inulin reduced pain and sensitivity to it, as well as improved grip strength—a measure of overall physical function.
Inulin is a prebiotic—a substance that serves as food for beneficial gut bacteria. Under the influence of these bacteria, short-chain fatty acids are produced, including butyrate, which can affect inflammatory processes and pain perception mechanisms. Participants taking the supplement also showed increased levels of the hormone GLP-1, which is associated with pain regulation and muscle condition.
Another notable aspect of the study was the high adherence to treatment: only 3.6 percent of participants dropped out from the inulin group, while in the physiotherapy group, it was 21 percent. According to the researchers, this shows that a simple dietary supplement could be a convenient addition to existing arthritis treatment methods and open new approaches to managing chronic pain.
