In October last year I discussed osteoarthritis. A recent study(1) has found that a supplement derived from seaweed seems to be helpful in reducing the need for painkillers in some individuals that suffer from this debilitating condition.
Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease. The exact cause is unknown but the slow destructive process usually begins when the stress placed on the joint surfaces is unusually high. This kind of stress can cause changes in the cartilage and bone surfaces. There are also some links to nutritional problems. In the western world excess weight, especially in later life, and sedentary lifestyles add to the pressure and stress on joints. For more introductory information on the condition you may find it helpful to read my last post on osteoarthritis.
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are commonly used by osteoarthritis sufferers to relieve symptoms and pain. However, many individuals prefer not to take these agents which have been linked to a variety of side effects such as gastrointestinal problems, stomach and digestive ulcers and cardiovascular (heart) problems. As explored previously the nutritional supplements glucosamine and chondroitin may be helpful to some individuals with osteoarthritis and omega 3 fatty acids could be useful in the reduction and prevention of over-inflammation. Minerals such as calcium, magnesium, copper, manganese, selenium and zinc may also have a positive effect.
The researchers of this current study(1) tested a calcium and magnesium-rich seaweed-derived multi-mineral supplement for the management of knee osteoporosis. Previously this seaweed supplement was used in a small pilot study(2) and it proved useful in improving the walking distances in osteoarthritis sufferers, it also seemed to reduce the pain and stiffness of osteoarthritis of the knee over 12 weeks of treatment. The supplement used was derived from a red algae (Lithothamnion corallioides) which is rich in calcium and magnesium and a variety of other trace minerals including manganese, selenium, zinc, boron, copper and potassium. The latest trial(1) was small but well designed and also lasted 12 weeks.
The study included 22 older adults with knee osteoarthritis. The participants were randomly assigned to take either the seaweed supplement or an inactive ‘placebo’ capsules for 12 weeks. After the first two weeks of treatment, all of the patients were asked to cut their NSAID use in half for the next two weeks, then stop using the medication completely for the rest of the study. In general, it was found that patients taking the seaweed supplement performed better on tests of walking distance and knee joint range of motion after one month of treatment, despite their NSAID use being halved. The supplement was not effective in entirely replacing NSAID treatment. Five patients in the placebo group dropped out of the research study due to worsening of pain, compared to only one patient taking the seaweed supplement.
In conclusion, the mineral seaweed supplement was found to be potentially helpful to people suffering with knee arthritis, the supplement allowed sufferers to reduce their use of NSAIDs by 50% or more and still show improvements in walking ability and range of motion in the knee joint. The supplement also seemed helpful in reducing the pain associated with the condition.
It’s not fully clear why the seaweed supplement might aid arthritis symptoms. It contains a mix of trace minerals (as well as many other nutrients), with the main ingredients being calcium and magnesium. Additional, larger, studies of longer treatments are necessary in order to fully explore the treatment effect of a seaweed derived multi-mineral supplement. The supplement may have been having an effect via a variety of complex mechanisms in the body such as anti-inflammatory and/or anti-oxidant mechanisms.
Many alage, spirullina, chlorella and plankton supplements available to buy on the internet and in health food stores. These food-supplements are made from natural seaweed sources and contain a broad range of trace minerals and other nutrients such as vitamins, amino acids, essential fatty acids and flavonoids (bioactive plant nutrients). It is thought that these sorts of food-supplements are highly absorbable by the body and may provide more benefit than chemically manufactured supplements.
(1)Frestedt JL, Kuskowski MA, Zenk JL. 2009. A natural seaweed derived mineral supplement (Aquamin F) for knee osteoarthritis: a randomised, placebo controlled pilot study. Nutr J. 8:7
(2) Frestedt JL et al. 2008. A natural mineral supplement provides relief from knee osteoarthritis symptoms: a randomized controlled pilot trial. Nutr J. 7:9.
Written by Ani Kowal
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