The Role of Nutrition in Osteoarthritis: A Literature Review.

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a common joint disorder that affects the knees, hips, hands, spine, and feet, resulting in pain, stiffness, and function loss. Contributing to the global disease burdens, OA has a significant impact on mental health, quality of life, and occupational activities. Currently, more than 250 million people worldwide live with hip OA and/or knee OA, with an increasing prevalence of OA largely caused by the growth of global aging populations and the high prevalence of obesity. In addition, individuals with OA are at greater risk of all-cause mortality than the general population.

There is a substantial economic burden of OA to both patients and society. In high-income countries, the medical cost related to OA is estimated to be between 1% and 2.5% of the gross domestic product. Among treatment options, total knee replacement (TKR) and total hip replacement (THR) represent the most direct medical expenses. Furthermore, the indirect costs caused by low productivity, absence at work, and early retirement are also high. Other invisible costs include diminished quality of life and potential comorbidities with depression and anxiety.