Effects of orally administered cetylated fatty acids on symptoms and functional capacity in patients with knee osteoarthritis: results of a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study

Several human studies show positive signals, while research methods and sample sizes continue to develop.

• Level A · Stronger Clinical Evidence
• Level B · Emerging clinical evidence with positive signals
• Level C · Early human research exploring benefits
• Level D · Scientific groundwork from lab and animal studies
• Emerging · Emerging topic under active research

Abstract (original English)

Background/objectives The development and implementation of new treatments for knee osteoarthritis in routine practice remains an unmet need. The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy and safety of a Cetylated Fatty Acids (CFA)-based dietary supplement in patients with knee osteoarthritis (OA), a prevalent and difficult-to-treat condition. Subjects/methods 60 patients (mean age: 66.0 ± 7.7 years, 85% female) with grade 3-4 knee osteoarthritis and a pain intensity of > 4 cm on the visual analog scale (VAS) were enrolled and randomized in a 1:1 ratio to receive either 1.5 g of oral CFA or a placebo for 60 days. The primary outcome was the change in pain intensity (VAS), secondary outcomes included changes in range of motion (ROM), in the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC), and the safety profile of the food supplement. Results After 60 days of CFA assumption, the mean reduction in pain intensity (VAS) was -1.7 cm (95% CI [-2.0, -1.4]), showing a statistically significant difference compared to placebo (-0.6 cm, 95% CI [-1.0, -0.2]; p Conclusion In patients with knee osteoarthritis, incorporating a CFA oral supplement into the treatment regimen provides superior efficacy in pain relief and range of motion improvement compared to placebo, while maintaining a favorable safety profile.

Evidence level

Several human studies show positive signals, while research methods and sample sizes continue to develop.

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