Probiotic Supplements in Osteoarthritis

The current study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of adding probiotics to the standard of care in improving OA patient-related outcomes such as pain, stiffness, and physical activity.

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a severe progressive chronic arthropathy causing articular remodeling and inflammation of synovial tissue. The disease involves the entire synovial joint, including the cartilage, joint lining, and subchondral bone. OA causes pain, swelling, and stiffness, consequently hindering the patient's ability to perform their main daily activities, which often leads to social isolation and depression. Up till now, there is no cure for OA treatment options target either symptomatic relief (mainly pain) such as acetaminophen, glucosamine, chondroitin sulfate, and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or structure repair. Probiotics are live and active microorganisms widely known as the gut's beneficial bacteria. They are taken to alter the GI flora and provide health benefits such as achieving optimal digestion and immunological function.