Dietary Outcomes in Osteoarthritis Disease Management

Carol J. Henderson, PhD, RD
Department of Nutrition
Georgia State University 
Atlanta, GA

Use of Dietary Supplements in the Treatment of OA

The use of complementary and alternative therapies have gained in popularity because these modalities are appealing to patients with chronic disease, in whom conventional treatment may not have provided relief, and who may have experienced possible adverse side effects from conventional therapies. Others are perhaps searching for a natural, holistic, or empowering approach to treatment. Americans spend more on such therapies for OA than on any other medical conditions (9). This report reviews research on nutriceuticals commonly used by patients with OA including: glucosamine, chondroitin, boswellia, ginger, SAM-e, and ASU. Many additional nutriceuticals have been used to treat patients with OA.