Prebiotic Fiber Supplement Linked to Reduced Pain in Knee Osteoarthritis: Study

A new clinical trial suggests that improving gut health may help relieve symptoms of Knee Osteoarthritis, a common condition that causes chronic joint pain and reduced mobility in older adults. The study, led by researchers at the University of Nottingham, found that a daily prebiotic fiber supplement significantly reduced pain and improved physical function. The findings were published in the Nutrients.

The research focused on Inulin, a natural dietary fiber found in foods such as chicory root and Jerusalem artichokes. Inulin acts as a prebiotic, meaning it feeds beneficial bacteria in the gut microbiome. These microbes produce compounds called short-chain fatty acids, particularly Butyrate, which can influence inflammation and pain signaling in the body.

The six-week INSPIRE Clinical Trial involved 117 adults with knee osteoarthritis. Participants were divided into four groups: inulin supplementation, digital physiotherapy-supported exercise, a combination of both treatments, or a placebo. Researchers evaluated pain levels, grip strength, and sensitivity to pain.

Both inulin and physiotherapy independently reduced knee pain. However, participants taking inulin experienced additional benefits. They showed improved grip strength and lower pain sensitivity, suggesting possible effects on how the nervous system processes pain. Scientists also observed increased levels of Glucagon Like Peptide 1 (GLP-1), a hormone produced in the gut that has been linked to muscle function and pain regulation.

Another notable finding was the difference in adherence. Only 3.6% of participants in the inulin group dropped out of the study, compared with 21% in the physiotherapy group.

Overall, the study highlights a potential gut-muscle-pain connection, suggesting that targeting the gut microbiome through dietary fiber could become a promising complementary strategy for managing osteoarthritis symptoms.

REFERENCE: Kouraki, A., et al. (2026). Effect of Prebiotic Supplementation With and Without Physiotherapy on Pain and Pain Sensitivity in People with Knee Osteoarthritis. Nutrients. DOI: 10.3390/nu18050714. https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6643/18/5/714