Dietary Antioxidants have potential to reduce risk of Hip Osteoarthritis
A newly published study has shown that eating a diet of foods rich in antioxidants could be an effective way of reducing the risk of hip osteoarthritis.
Published by a team of researchers from the University of Melbourne and Monash University in Australia in the Journal of Rheumatology, the study looks closely at how simple lifestyle changes could have a significant impact.
This new study is an exciting opportunity for further research to look into lifestyle and the huge role it plays in reducing the risk of particular arthritic conditions. There is the potential that people could improve their hip joint health through their diet and lifestyle, to avoid a reliance on medications in later life.
A Look at the Research
The researchers set out with an aim of examining the relationship between antioxidants in the diet and early hip structural abnormalities. They worked with a group of 214 participants without any sign or diagnosis of hip osteoarthritis. The participants all underwent MRI scans to look closely for signs of any femoral head cartilage defects or bone marrow legions. There antioxidant vitamin and food source intake was estimated from a questionnaire.
The results showed that participants who had a higher consumption of carotenoids saw an associated reduced risk of both the issues tested in the MRI scan. Carotenoids are naturally occurring in high volume in many different kinds of vegetables, most notably carrots, sweet potatoes and dark green leafy vegetables. The research also showed that an increased Vitamin E intake was associated with a reduced risk of hip cartilage defects. Vitamin E is found in high volume in foods such as nut, seeds, vegetable oils and fortified cereals.
Diet and Arthritis Management
We already know that a healthy diet can play a key role in managing the symptoms of many different arthritis conditions. However, this research provides further support to the case for antioxidants. Antioxidant-rich foods such as berries, nuts, sweet potatoes and vegetables have bene shown to be beneficial for knee joint health in the past and this study asserts their role in protecting hip joints too.
The Australian researchers concluded their study by commenting: “These findings suggest a beneficial effect of dietary antioxidants on hip joint health. Although our findings need to be confirmed in other longitudinal studies, they suggest that the modification of dietary antioxidant intake may be a strategy for the prevention of hip osteoarthritis.”
Living with arthritis of any kind can be hard to manage, especially if you don’t have professional expertise and help. Working with a London rheumatology centre or one of the top rheumatologists UK patients can choose from helps to ensure you get the best level of treatment. This can include medication and exercises, but also dietary advice, in line with the latest research.
Questions about Hip Osteoarthritis
If you have any questions about hip arthritis then please contact Dr Stephanie Barrett.
