Hyaluronic acid—a molecule that occurs naturally in the body and helps cushion joints—helped relieve pain in osteoarthritis (OA) of the knee, a new study reveals. Researchers recruited 20 participants, aged 40 or older, who suffered from symptoms of knee OA for at least six months, and who were in pain for at least 15 days during the last month. Participants took 48 mg of hyaluronic acid per day, or a placebo, for eight weeks. Both groups reported less pain and stiffness, and better physical ability, but after eight weeks the hyaluronic acid group reported significantly less OA pain and better physical ability compared to placebo.

Reference: Nutrition Journal: 2008; Vol. 7, No. 3, electronic publication ahead of print.

Tags: hyaluronic acid, joints, osteoarthritis

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