Comparative Effectiveness of Nutritional Supplements in the Treatment of Knee Osteoarthritis: A Network Meta-Analysis

Zhang Y, Gui Y, Adams R, Farragher J, Itsiopoulos C, Bow K, Cai M, Han J · Nutrients

Places curcumin against its competitors. Boswellia ranked highest for pain and stiffness; curcumin, collagen, ginger and krill oil each showed benefits on some outcomes, with curcumin and krill oil ranking well for function. No supplement raised adverse events.

Population

39 RCTs (42 studies) of seven supplements in knee osteoarthritis

Intervention

Eggshell membrane, vitamin D, boswellia, curcumin, ginger, krill oil or collagen

Comparator

Placebo, compared indirectly

Limitations

Indirect comparison across trials with different dosages and formulations; the authors call for standardised dosing and long-term data before the rankings are relied on.