The antioxidant vitamin E does not appear to relieve the pain of osteoarthritis.
Osteoarthritis is a progressive deterioration in the cartilage of certain joints, including the knee and vertebrae. Unlike rheumatoid arthritis, which is an inherited autoimmune disease, osteoarthritis results from overuse of joints, and can be a byproduct of strenuous sports, obesity or aging.
Researchers conducted a 6-month study involving 77 patients with osteoarthritis of the knee. Patients received either 500 IU a day of vitamin E -- about 33 times the recommended daily allowance (15 IU/day) -- or an inactive placebo.
The researchers then compared the vitamin E and placebo groups for the level of pain, stiffness and ability to function.
The investigators found that vitamin E was no better at relieving symptoms than placebo at 1, 3 or 6 months after treatment began. In fact, the placebo group showed improved pain levels at the completion of the study compared to the group receiving vitamin E.
Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases October 2001;60:946-949
This study seems to contradict earlier research that suggests broad spectrum antioxidants, especially from whole vegetables would be far superior than single antioxidants.
One of the new mottos in our center is that we attempt to offer solutions not band-aids or crutches. I really view the vast majority of vitamin supplementation as a band-aid or crutch that does not really address the underlying problems. Undoubtedly supplements are far safer than drugs, but they are, in my view, still in the same category.
As an example, if you are going to take a supplement for osteoarthritis, glucosamine makes far more sense than vitamin E or a broad spectrum antixoxidant.
However, even if glucosamine works, it is not as good as following the eating plan. I have also found that EFT is also frequently helpful in removing arthritis pain.
Our center combines NST, EFT and the eating plan. It is very unusual for most of our arthritis patients to be on any pain medication for their arthritis, after they have been on the program for some time. This is especially remarkable as I see some very challenging patients who frequently are on the most potent medications that can be used, such as methotrexate, predinsone, Enbrel and Remicade.