- In a recent study, researchers found that prebiotic supplements helped ease knee arthritis symptoms.
- This study adds to a growing body of research that suggests gut health affects other systems in the body.
- Here, a dietitian and physical therapist break down the findings.
You’ve probably heard about prebiotic supplements as a digestive health aid, but it turns out that the supplement may have additional, more surprising benefits. In fact, new research reveals taking a prebiotic may help ease the symptoms of knee arthritis.
That was the takeaway from a recent study published in Nutrients, which aimed to investigate the relationship between chronic pain and the gut microbiome. The researchers conducted a six-week clinical trial on 117 adults with knee osteoarthritis, split into four groups: the first received a daily prebiotic supplement (inulin), the second completed a digital physiotherapy-supported exercise (PSE) program, the third received a daily prebiotic and completed a PSE program, and the last received a placebo, serving as a control group. Ultimately, the researchers found that participants who had taken a prebiotic showed improved grip strength and meaningful reductions in pain.
So, should you head to your drugstore to purchase a prebiotic supplement to treat your pain? Ahead, experts break down what you need to know.
Meet the experts: Melissa Prest, D.C.N., R.D.N., spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics; Karena Wu, D.P.T., board-certified clinical specialist in orthopedic physical therapy and owner of ActiveCare Physical Therapy
Why might prebiotic supplements relieve arthritis pain?
While the idea of prebiotic supplements relieving arthritis pain may seem surprising, the study’s findings actually “add to the growing evidence that gut health may influence much more than digestion—it may also play a role in inflammation and how we experience pain,” explains Melissa Prest, D.C.N., R.D.N., spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. “We often think about diet in terms of preventing chronic diseases like diabetes or heart disease, but what we eat may also influence inflammation, the gut microbiome, and pain perception.”
Osteoarthritis is localized inflammation, so it makes sense that a prebiotic might help. “Overall health and management of inflammation are tied to a strong gut and gut barrier, so taking a prebiotic supplement to support the gut can help the body manage that inflammation and pain,” says Karena Wu, D.P.T., board-certified clinical specialist in orthopedic physical therapy and owner of ActiveCare Physical Therapy.
Wu also singles out the benefits of the specific supplement used in the study: inulin, a prebiotic fiber found in some fruits, vegetables, and grains. “Inulin also enhances glucagon-like peptide (GLP-1), which is an important signaling molecule in the gut-brain and gut-muscle axes,” Wu says. “Enhanced GLP-1 secretion can help regulate pain and lessen cartilage breakdown in the joint. A simple dietary change that increases inulin can help with management of musculoskeletal joint osteoarthritis conditions.”
Do prebiotic supplements have other benefits?
People with knee arthritis aren’t the only ones who may benefit from taking a prebiotic supplement. According to Prest, prebiotics support digestive health by nourishing gut bacteria. “Research suggests they may also benefit bowel regularity, immune function, and metabolic health,” she adds.
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That said, as with any supplement, prebiotics aren’t for everyone. “Some people experience gas, bloating, or abdominal discomfort when they first start taking them, particularly if they increase fiber too quickly,” Prest explains. Additionally, people with a gastrointestinal condition—like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)—and those following a low-FODMAP diet should avoid starting a prebiotic without first consulting a doctor or dietitian, “as certain types of prebiotics may worsen symptoms,” Prest says.
If you and your healthcare provider decide prebiotic supplements are worth trying, Prest recommends “starting with a small dose and gradually increasing intake” for the best results.
What does this mean for you?
If you suffer from knee arthritis pain and haven’t noticed an improvement with other treatments, increasing your prebiotic intake may be worth considering—but that doesn’t necessarily mean taking a supplement. “The first step is to focus on getting more prebiotic fiber from foods such as onions, garlic, asparagus, oats, barley, beans, lentils, bananas, and Jerusalem artichokes,” Prest says. “These foods support beneficial gut bacteria while also providing vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients.”
If you find it difficult to get enough prebiotic fiber from food alone, “a prebiotic fiber supplement may be worth discussing with your healthcare provider, especially if you have digestive concerns or other medical conditions,” Prest says.
However, the potential benefits of increasing prebiotic intake don’t negate the need for other arthritis treatments. “Other modalities like [ice or heat], laser, acupuncture, and massage are helpful for those with knee arthritis,” Wu points out. “Exercise should be done at a minimum of two to three times per week to effect change in the surrounding musculature,” she adds. “The core, lower extremity kinetic chain, and the specific muscle deficits need to be addressed to improve joint mobility, stability, strength, and function.”
The bottom line
The results of this recent study add to a growing body of evidence suggesting that supporting gut health with prebiotic supplementation could, in turn, provide other health benefits. Still, there’s more to consider.
Prest points out that the study was relatively small, so the results shouldn’t be viewed as definitive. Additionally, “some participants did not complete the trial, and researchers were not able to fully explain the biological mechanisms behind the pain improvements,” Prest says. “Larger, longer-term studies are needed to confirm these findings and determine which individuals are most likely to benefit.”
Even with those caveats, Prest is hopeful that prebiotic supplements will prove beneficial to those with osteoarthritis and chronic pain: “While prebiotics aren’t a replacement for standard arthritis treatments, they could become a simple, relatively low-cost strategy to complement other approaches to managing knee osteoarthritis.”
Dietary supplements are products intended to supplement the diet. They are not medicines and are not intended to treat, diagnose, mitigate, prevent, or cure diseases. Be cautious about taking dietary supplements if you are pregnant or nursing. Also, be careful about giving supplements to a child unless recommended by their healthcare provider.
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