The effectiveness of dietary intervention in osteoarthritis management: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials
Abstract
This study aimed to evaluate the impact of various dietary interventions on managing osteoarthritis (OA), a condition significantly affecting global health due to joint alterations driven by inflammatory mediators. A systematic review and meta-analysis, adhering to PRISMA guidelines, examined Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs) investigating dietary interventions in OA. Two reviewers independently conducted study selection, data extraction, and quality assessment. Random effects models calculated standardized mean differences (SMD) and mean differences (MD). Risk of bias was evaluated with the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool (RoB2), and heterogeneity was assessed using I² values. Nine RCTs (898 participants) were identified, assessing various diets: reduced energy (n = 4), Mediterranean (n = 2), low-fat (n = 2), anti-inflammatory (n = 1), low-carbohydrate (n = 1), and plant-based (n = 1). Dietary interventions significantly improved pain (SMD: -0.67; 95% CI: [-1.01, -0.34]; p < 0.0001), and physical function (SMD: -0.62; 95% CI: [-0.94, -0.30]; p = 0.0001) and body weight (MD: -3.18; 95% CI: [-3.52, -2.83], p < 0.0001). Subgroup analyses revealed reduced energy diets improved pain (SMD: -0.85; 95% CI: [-1.15, -0.55], p < 0.0001), physical function (SMD: -0.95; 95% CI: [-1.33, -0.58], p < 0.0001) and body weight (MD: -3.13; 95% CI: [-3.77, -2.49], p < 0.0001). The Mediterranean diet did not significantly impact pain (SMD: -0.27; 95% CI: [-1.14, 0.60], P = 0.54), or physical…
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Evidence Hub reads this as a meta-analysis, done in people. Its evidence level is 1 of 5 (Highest · pooled evidence). Pooled evidence from several studies sits at the top of the evidence pyramid. Reported size: 898 participants or records.
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