Food Supplements

Every year upwards of £300m is spent on food supplements. Arthritis is such a common condition for older adults across the world and there is a huge market for supplements that relieve pain, stiffness, and reduce dependence on medication. The search for greater relief is understandable but as with other issues, seeking knowledge is the first step forward. There are many claims about a huge range of products, and with each year come new claims for cures.

The three main concerns about regular use of food supplements are: -

1. The vast majority of food supplements have not undergone rigorous testing and therefore variations in potency, content and ‘ beneficial’ effect claimed by manufacturers.
2. The lack of research into how these food supplements interact with a range of medicines.
3. Supplements that may prove popular with adult arthritis sufferers are not necessarily suitable for children – the lack of background research means that there is no evidence about how the supplements are absorbed by juvenile organs and body systems, and therefore there seems to be a potential for unknown risk to children.

Most supplements are regulated under food law, which means that they cannot claim to treat, cure or prevent disease. Many of them get round this by more subtle claims and labelling that specifically targets ‘sufferers’. A tiny minority of food supplements are licensed which entitles manufacturers to make medical claims. Licensed products will have reliable, consistent potency and content and will have undergone stringent laboratory testing for safety and side effects like other pharmaceutical medicines. Look for a tiny PL number on the back of the product, but these products are often alongside those without any license.

Essential fatty acids

Researchers at Cardiff University have confirmed that essential Omega 3 fatty acids in cod liver oil may reduce the action of enzymes that cause pain, inflammation and cartilage damage. No specific research investigated how children should best use it. Beneficial effects were reported on joint mobility, pain and skin after several months’ usage. No harmful effects were noted.

Specific plant oils (particularly from SAM-e = S-adenoysyl methionine = extracts of devils claw) have some beneficial effect in people who have osteoarthritis. Some research with a preparation of avocado and soya bean, called ASU, looks promising but again did not focus on the specific challenges for children with arthritis, nor was it used in combination with conventional medicine.