Plain language summary
Osteoarthritis is the most common joint disorder of the different forms of arthritis. Key symptoms associated with osteoarthritis include the onset of pain, development of various disabilities such as increased difficulty with climbing stairs, walking and other activities of daily living. The aim of this study was to examine the impact of ingesting a concentrated milk protein derived from the milk produced by hyperimmunized cows on alleviating pain (discomfort) and function with and without an external physical stimulus in non-osteoarthritic participants. The study was a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled investigation using two parallel supplementation groups (milk protein concentrate group n = 24 and placebo group n = 34) that spanned eight weeks. Results indicate that treatment with proprietary milk protein concentrate resulted in greater improvements in several components within the WOMAC (Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index) assessment, walking performance, as well as self-reported levels of pain, discomfort, stiffness and stability. Authors conclude that daily doses of proprietary milk protein concentrate yielded improvements in several components and it was well tolerated with no significant changes in whole-blood or serum markers of clinical safety.
Abstract
Milk and dairy products are known to contain various bioactives with potential anti-inflammatory and immune modulating effects. Previous research has indicated that milk produced from hyperimmunized cows provided meaningful health benefits to individuals suffering from varying degrees of osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. PURPOSE To examine the impact of MicroLactin®, a proprietary milk protein concentrate, on joint discomfort and physical function, exercise performance, quality of life and various measures of affect. METHODS Non-osteoarthritic men (42.5 ± 8.9 years, 176.7 ± 6.7 cm, 89.9 ± 11.5 kg, 28.8 ± 3.5 kg/m², n = 30) and women (46.4 ± 9.6 years, 163.1 ± 8.2 cm, 72.2 ± 13.1 kg, 27.2 ± 5.3 kg/m², n = 28) with mild to moderate knee pain during physical activity were randomized in a double-blind, placebo-controlled fashion to consume daily either a placebo (PLA) or MicroLactin® (ML) for a period of 8 weeks. Participants completed a functional capacity test pre and post-supplementation and completed visual analog scales (VAS), a 6-min walking test, WOMAC and profile of mood states (POMS) to assess changes in joint health, discomfort, physical function, exercise performance and affect. Mixed factorial ANOVA was used for all statistical analysis and significance was set a priori at p ≤ 0.05. RESULTS Distance covered in the 6-min walking significantly improved 9% in ML versus 2% in PLA (mean difference: 110 ± 43 m, p = 0.012) in addition to 11 WOMAC components and 5 VAS reflective of ML improving joint health, discomfort and joint stability (all p < 0.05 vs. PLA). Additionally, ML also improved overall perceptions of neck and back health compared to PLA. Serum and whole blood indicators of clinical safety remained within normal ranges throughout the study. CONCLUSIONS In comparison to placebo, daily doses of MicroLactin® yielded improvements in several components of the WOMAC, multiple visual analog scales indicative of joint health and stability, discomfort and pain, as well as significant improvements in distance covered during a 6-min walking test. Supplementation was well tolerated with no significant changes in whole-blood or serum markers of clinical safety.
Methodological quality
Jadad score
:
5
Allocation concealment
:
Yes
