营养补充剂与肌肉骨骼健康 资料
什么是营养补充剂
营养补充剂是您口服的额外营养素,例如蛋白质、氨基酸(构成蛋白质的基本单位)、鱼油,或葡萄糖胺和软骨素等关节保健产品。它们不是能治好关节的药物。它们是在身体愈合期间,或在应对磨损性关节炎(骨关节炎)时,为身体提供支持。
人们会在不同的时候考虑使用它们。如果您患有关节炎,一些补充剂可能有助于缓解疼痛,并让关节活动得更好。如果您要接受手术,例如关节置换或韧带修复,在手术前后补充额外的蛋白质可能有助于在恢复期间保护您的肌肉。老年人,尤其是无法运动的老年人,可能会从特定的补充剂中获益 [1]。术前营养不良的人也可以通过营养建议和补充剂得到帮助 [2]。
它们的作用方式取决于补充剂的种类。葡萄糖胺可能通过促使关节内膜分泌更多自身的润滑液而发挥作用 [3]。鱼油(omega-3 脂肪酸)可能使受刺激的关节平静下来,并保护软骨,即关节内部光滑的表面 [4]。蛋白质和氨基酸为肌肉提供所需的原料,使肌肉在术后恢复期间流失更少 [5]。
有几点需要坦白说明。不建议用肽类补充剂代替标准的骨科治疗,因为目前还没有足够可靠的证据证明其效果或安全性 [6]。在韧带重建术后康复的最初12周内,肌酸对患者没有帮助 [7]。此外,如果您参加竞技运动,请仔细核查任何补充剂,因为有些补充剂含有可能违反反兴奋剂规定的物质 [8]。
医生可以与您讨论哪些选择(如果有的话)可能适合您的情况。
它有效吗?
坦白地说,这取决于具体的补充剂和具体的情况。有些有可靠的依据支持,另一些则没有。
对于关节炎,已有多种补充剂在试验中接受了检验。硫酸葡萄糖胺和抗炎药物可减轻膝关节骨关节炎的疼痛、改善功能,并可能延缓关节损伤 [9]。与安慰剂相比,软骨素更能缓解疼痛并改善身体功能,而葡萄糖胺则有助于改善僵硬 [10]。与安慰剂相比,胶原蛋白肽减轻了膝关节炎患者的疼痛 [11]。对于手部关节炎,葡萄糖胺和软骨素作为更全面治疗计划的一部分,可能是合理的选择 [12]。对于半月板(膝关节内起缓冲作用的软垫)撕裂的患者,服用八周的胶原蛋白补充剂改善了疼痛、生活质量和部分活动测试结果 [13]。胶原蛋白也曾以注射而非口服的方式进行尝试:在一项观察性研究中,对于肩袖问题患者,在肩部肌腱附近注射胶原蛋白可减轻疼痛,并在长达六个月的时间内支持恢复 [14]。
在手术前后,情况则更为复杂。一种均衡营养补充剂降低了髋部骨折手术后120天时的并发症发生率和死亡率 [15]。一种氨基酸补充剂使关节置换术后的并发症减少,且风险较低 [16]。蛋白质补充剂很容易加入到手术前后的治疗中,而任何对肌肉力量的益处,都可能降低日后跌倒或新关节附近骨折的几率 [17]。但总体而言,它对肌肉力量和功能的影响好坏参半 [18];而在脊柱手术前让患者获得充足营养,往往受到流程不一致以及患者未能坚持计划的阻碍 [19]。
它们也有局限性。对于一种脂肪酸(EPA,一种 omega-3 脂肪酸),早期研究提示它可能有助于延缓软骨损伤后关节炎的发展,但这尚未在高质量试验中得到证实 [4]。此外,在配合抗阻训练的情况下,蛋白质摄入超过约1.6 g/kg/天并不会带来额外的肌肉益处 [20]。肽类补充剂不应代替标准的骨科治疗,因为关于其益处和安全性的可靠证据仍然缺乏 [6]。
医生可以帮助您权衡哪些补充剂(如果有的话)值得一试。
风险有哪些?
这些补充剂大多有良好的安全记录,但这并不意味着它们毫无风险。研究中最明确的发现是关于葡萄糖胺和软骨素的:研究表明两者都有良好的安全性,硫酸葡萄糖胺可能在副作用很少的情况下缓解疼痛 [21] [22]。即便如此,研究人员指出,关于其长期影响以及合适的服用剂量,仍有未解答的问题 [22]。
有些风险在于补充剂起不到的作用。在韧带重建术后康复的最初12周内,肌酸对患者没有帮助 [7]。肽类补充剂不应代替标准的骨科治疗,因为目前还没有足够可靠的证据证明其效果或安全性 [6]。如果您参加竞技运动,有些补充剂含有可能违反反兴奋剂规定的物质,这可能损害您的健康、运动表现和声誉 [8]。
在手术前后,情况更令人鼓舞,但尚无定论。口服营养补充剂和营养师的帮助被认为是针对老年人髋部骨折后的低风险干预措施 [23]。一种市售的氨基酸补充剂使术后并发症减少,且风险较低 [16]。但在关节置换前后静脉输注蛋白质或氨基酸补充剂,对肌肉力量和功能的影响好坏参半,因此其益处无法保证 [18]。
有两点需要坦白说明的局限。关于 EPA(一种 omega-3 脂肪酸)延缓软骨损伤后关节炎的研究仍处于早期阶段,尚未在高质量试验中得到证实 [4]。此外,在配合抗阻训练的情况下,蛋白质摄入超过约1.6 g/kg/天并不会带来额外的肌肉益处,所以并非越多越好 [20]。
医生可以与您讨论这些发现对您意味着什么,以及在您的情况下哪些选择的不确定性最小。
这适合您吗?
补充剂往往适合以下几种情况的人。如果您年纪较大且术前营养不良,营养建议加上氨基酸和微量营养素是医生可以为您选择的两种现成方案 [2]。如果您髋部骨折,口服营养补充剂和营养师的帮助是低风险的支持措施,可能改善老年人的治疗结局 [23]。如果您无法运动,单独使用特定补充剂可能仍有帮助,一项关于维生素D和富含亮氨酸的乳清蛋白的研究显示了这一点 [1]。
有些情况则不那么明确。在关节置换前后,静脉输注蛋白质或氨基酸对肌肉力量和功能的影响好坏参半 [18]。如果您已经在补充蛋白质并进行抗阻训练,超过约1.6 g/kg/天不会带来额外的肌肉益处 [20]。对于软骨损伤,EPA(一种 omega-3 脂肪酸)很有前景,但尚未在高质量试验中得到证实 [4]。
与其他选择相比,补充剂是一种辅助,而不是解决办法。它们与标准治疗并用,而不是取而代之。肽类补充剂不应代替标准的骨科治疗 [6]。
这是一个需要共同做出的决定。医生可以帮助您权衡补充剂是否适合您的情况、您的手术和您的目标。上面的风险部分详细介绍了安全性,请在做决定前阅读。
核心要点
补充剂可以作为一种辅助手段加以考虑,而不是解决办法。有些可能缓解关节炎疼痛,或在手术前后帮助您的身体,但益处通常不大,且因人而异。最重要的一点是:它们与标准治疗并用,绝不能取而代之。在开始服用任何补充剂之前请先咨询医生,尤其是如果您参加竞技运动的话。
参考文献
[1] Effects of a Vitamin D and Leucine-Enriched Whey Protein Nutritional Supplement on Measures of Sarcopenia in Older Adults, the PROVIDE Study: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial. Journal of the American Medical Directors Association. 2015. DOI: 10.1016/j.jamda.2015.05.021
[2] The Role of Perioperative Nutritional Status and Supplementation in Orthopaedic Surgery. JBJS Reviews. 2024. DOI: 10.2106/jbjs.rvw.23.00242
[3] Glucosamine increases hyaluronic acid production in human osteoarthritic synovium explants. BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders. 2008. DOI: 10.1186/1471-2474-9-120
[4] Omega-3 fatty acids protect cartilage from acute injurie by reducing the mechanical sensitivity of chondrocytes. Journal of Orthopaedic Surgery and Research. 2024. DOI: 10.1186/s13018-024-05081-4
[5] Poster 363: Post-Operative Protein Supplementation following Orthopaedic Surgery: A Systematic Review. Orthopaedic Journal of Sports Medicine. 2023. DOI: 10.1177/2325967123s00326
[6] Peptide Supplements and Their Therapeutic Applications in Sports Medicine. The American Journal of Sports Medicine. 2026. DOI: 10.1177/03635465261464420
[7] The Effect of Creatine Supplementation on Strength Recovery after Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) Reconstruction. The American Journal of Sports Medicine. 2004. DOI: 10.1177/0363546503261731
[8] IOC consensus statement: dietary supplements and the high-performance athlete. British Journal of Sports Medicine. 2018. DOI: 10.1136/bjsports-2018-099027
[9] Possible synergic action of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and glucosamine sulfate for the treatment of knee osteoarthritis: a scoping review. BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders. 2022. DOI: 10.1186/s12891-022-06046-6
[10] Effectiveness and safety of glucosamine and chondroitin for the treatment of osteoarthritis: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Journal of Orthopaedic Surgery and Research. 2018. DOI: 10.1186/s13018-018-0871-5
[11] Analgesic efficacy of collagen peptide in knee osteoarthritis: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Journal of Orthopaedic Surgery and Research. 2023. DOI: 10.1186/s13018-023-04182-w
[12] Glucosamine and Chondroitin Sulfate Treatment of Hand Osteoarthritis. The Journal of Hand Surgery. 2013. DOI: 10.1016/j.jhsa.2013.05.017
[13] The effect of supplementation with type I and type III collagen peptide and type II hydrolyzed collagen on pain, quality of life and physical function in patients with meniscopathy: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders. 2025. DOI: 10.1186/s12891-024-08244-w
[14] Subacromial injection of hydrolyzed collagen in the symptomatic treatment of rotator cuff tendinopathy: an observational multicentric prospective study on 71 patients. JSES International. 2023. DOI: 10.1016/j.jseint.2023.06.009
[15] Nutritional Supplementation Decreases Hip Fracture-related Complications. Clinical Orthopaedics and Related Research. 2006. DOI: 10.1097/01.blo.0000224054.86625.06
[16] Essential Amino Acid Supplementation: Feed the Injured Patient. Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery. 2022. DOI: 10.2106/jbjs.22.00078
[17] Nutritional Optimization with Amino Acid Supplementation Aids Recovery After Total Knee Arthroplasty. Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery. 2023. DOI: 10.2106/jbjs.22.01357
[18] Peri-operative protein or amino acid supplementation for total joint arthroplasty: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Journal of Orthopaedic Surgery and Research. 2025. DOI: 10.1186/s13018-025-05847-4
[19] Nutritional Optimization in Spine Surgery: A Review of Its Implications for Postoperative Recovery and Outcomes. Journal of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. 2026. DOI: 10.5435/jaaos-d-25-00757
[20] A systematic review, meta-analysis and meta-regression of the effect of protein supplementation on resistance training-induced gains in muscle mass and strength in healthy adults. British Journal of Sports Medicine. 2017. DOI: 10.1136/bjsports-2017-097608
[21] A Review of Evidence‐Based Medicine for Glucosamine and Chondroitin Sulfate Use in Knee Osteoarthritis. Arthroscopy. 2008. DOI: 10.1016/j.arthro.2008.07.020
[22] Use of Glucosamine and Chondroitin Sulfate in the Management of Osteoarthritis. Journal of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. 2001. DOI: 10.5435/00124635-200109000-00009
[23] Cochrane in CORR®: Nutritional Supplementation for Hip Fracture Aftercare in Older People. Clinical Orthopaedics & Related Research. 2019. DOI: 10.1097/corr.0000000000000658
Evidence & references
This is the clinical evidence summary written for health professionals. It is technical, and it lists the research this page was built from. You do not need to read it to understand your treatment or to make a decision about it.
Overview
- Peptide supplements should not currently be recommended as a replacement or adjunct for existing orthopaedic standard of care due to the lack of robust efficacy and safety data [1].
- Specific nutritional supplementation alone might benefit geriatric patients, especially those who are unable to exercise [2].
- Intravenous perioperative protein or amino acid supplementation offers benefits for total joint arthroplasty, while effects on muscle strength and function are mixed [3].
- Glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate have an excellent safety profile and may serve a role as an initial treatment modality for many osteoarthritis patients [4].
- Adjuvant oral supplementation containing collagen, hyaluronic acid, chondroitin sulfate, and plasma proteins may increase the efficacy of physical therapy by shortening the time needed to return to pre-injury activity and reducing analgesic consumption after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction [5].
- Supplementation of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids is effective to relieve pain and improve joint function in patients with osteoarthritis [6].
- The combination of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and glucosamine sulfate supports efficacy in reducing pain, improving function, and possibly regulating joint damage in knee osteoarthritis [7].
- Supplementation with omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids for 3-4 months reduces patient-reported joint pain intensity, minutes of morning stiffness, number of painful and/or tender joints, and NSAID consumption [8].
- Conditionally essential amino acid supplementation has a protective effect against common complications and early skeletal muscle wasting after operative fixation of extremity and pelvic fractures [9].
- Glucosamine sulfate has the potential to relieve pain and improve function with low side effects, but unanswered questions regarding long-term effects and dosage preclude a definitive endorsement [10].
- Nutrition consultation and perioperative supplementation with amino acids and micronutrients are readily available interventions that orthopaedic surgeons can select for malnourished patients [11].
- The appropriate use of some dietary supplements can benefit the athlete, while others may harm the athlete’s health, performance, and/or livelihood and reputation if an antidoping rule violation results [12].
- Nutritional supplementation has been shown to markedly reduce hospital costs by reducing rates of ICU admissions, hospital-associated complications, and hospital-acquired infections [13].
- Glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate may be considered reasonable treatment options as part of a multimodal approach for symptomatic primary hand osteoarthritis if the cost is not prohibitive [14].
- Recommendations for data capture relating to female athlete population characteristics, injuries, illnesses, and other health consequences will improve the quality of epidemiological studies to inform better injury and illness prevention strategies [15].
- The use of low-cost commercially available amino acid supplements resulted in fewer overall complications postoperatively and was a low-risk intervention for the patient population [19].
- Substantial barriers such as inconsistent protocols and patient nonadherence remain in nutritional optimization for spine surgery, highlighting the need for multifactorial assessment and standardization of multidisciplinary nutritional protocols [22].
- Perioperative nutritional optimization has been associated with improved outcomes for patients undergoing spine surgery, but additional investigation is needed to determine effective perioperative nutritional protocols [23].
How It Works
Mechanisms of Action
- Glucosamine may exert analgesic properties through the stimulation of hyaluronic acid production in human osteoarthritic synovium [32].
- Omega-3 fatty acids protect cartilage from acute injury by reducing the mechanical sensitivity of chondrocytes [16].
Perioperative and Postoperative Recovery
- Perioperative essential amino acid supplementation prevents rectus femoris muscle atrophy and accelerates early functional recovery after total knee arthroplasty [30].
- Protein supplementation appears to have beneficial effects on mitigating muscle atrophy in the postoperative period following ACL reconstruction, total hip arthroplasty, total knee arthroplasty, and surgical treatment of hip fracture [24].
- Protein supplementation is a low-cost intervention that is easy to incorporate into perioperative management, and its beneficial effects on muscle strength could potentially reduce the risk of longer-term complications such as falls and periprosthetic fracture [20].
- Oral nutritional supplementation and dietetic assistance represent low-risk interventions that may improve morbidity and mortality in older people after hip fracture [17].
Osteoarthritis and Joint Pain
- Collagen peptides provide significant pain relief in patients with knee osteoarthritis compared to placebo [27].
- An eight-week collagen-based supplement has a positive effect on pain, quality of life levels, and some functional test results in patients with meniscopathy [25].
- Subacromial injection of hydrolyzed collagen is effective in reducing pain and supporting functional recovery in patients with rotator cuff tendinopathy, with effects observed after the first injection and persisting up to six months [29].
- Glucosamine sulfate has the potential to relieve pain and improve function with low side effects, though unanswered questions regarding long-term effects and dosage preclude a definitive endorsement [10].
- The evidence supports the efficacy of glucosamine sulfate in reducing pain, improving function, and possibly regulating joint damage in knee osteoarthritis [7].
Muscle Mass and Strength
- Protein intakes at amounts greater than ~1.6 g/kg/day do not further contribute to resistance training-induced gains in fat-free mass [18].
Limitations and Safety
- Patients do not benefit from creatine supplementation during the first 12 weeks of rehabilitation after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction [26].
- The appropriate use of some supplements can benefit the athlete, but others may harm the athlete’s health, performance, and/or livelihood and reputation if an antidoping rule violation results [12].
What the Evidence Shows
Perioperative and Postoperative Supplementation
- Intravenous protein or amino acid supplementation offers benefits for total joint arthroplasty, while effects on muscle strength and function are mixed [3].
- Integrating targeted nutrition into prehabilitation pathways may help reduce complications and support faster functional gains in total joint arthroplasty [21].
- Protein supplementation appears to have beneficial effects on mitigating muscle atrophy in the postoperative period following ACLR, THA, TKA, and surgical treatment of hip fracture [24].
- A comprehensive balanced nutrition supplement resulted in lower complication rates and mortality at 120 days postoperatively for hip fracture patients [31].
- The use of a low-cost commercially available amino acid supplement resulted in fewer overall complications postoperatively and was a low-risk intervention for the patient population [19].
- Protein supplementation is a low-cost intervention that is easy to incorporate into perioperative management, and the beneficial effects on muscle strength could potentially reduce the risk of longer-term complications, such as falls and periprosthetic fracture [20].
- Nutrition consultation and perioperative supplementation with amino acids and micronutrients are 2 readily available interventions that orthopaedic surgeons can select for malnourished patients [11].
- Adjuvant oral supplementation may increase the efficacy of physical therapy by shortening the time needed to return to pre-injury activity and the analgesic consumption after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction [5].
- Specific nutritional supplementation alone might benefit geriatric patients, especially relevant for those who are unable to exercise [2].
Osteoarthritis and Joint Health
- The excellent safety profile of glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate should be discussed with patients, and they may serve a role as an initial treatment modality for many OA patients [4].
- Supplementation of n-3 PUFAs is effective to relieve pain and improve joint function in patients with osteoarthritis [6].
- The evidence supports efficacy of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and glucosamine sulfate in reducing pain, improving function, and possibly regulating joint damage in knee osteoarthritis [7].
- Supplementation with omega-3 PUFAs for 3-4 months reduces patient reported joint pain intensity, minutes of morning stiffness, number of painful and/or tender joints, and NSAID consumption [8].
- Glucosamine sulfate has potential to relieve pain and improve function with low side effects, but unanswered questions regarding long-term effects and dosage preclude a definitive endorsement [10].
- If the cost is not prohibitive, glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate products may be considered reasonable treatment options as part of a multimodal approach for symptomatic primary hand osteoarthritis [14].
- Oral chondroitin is more effective than placebo on relieving pain and improving physical function, while glucosamine showed effect on stiffness outcome in osteoarthritis [33].
- Collagen peptides demonstrate significant pain relief in patients with knee osteoarthritis compared to those who received placebo [27].
- An eight-week collagen-based supplement had a positive effect on pain and quality of life levels and some functional test results in patients with meniscopathy [25].
Cartilage and Tendon Injuries
- EPA supplementation could offer a promising strategy for preventing PTOA progression following acute cartilage injuries [16].
- Treatment with hydrolyzed collagen was effective in reducing pain and supporting functional recovery in patients with rotator cuff tendinopathy, with effects observed after the first injection and persisting up to six months [29].
Sports Medicine and General Considerations
- With protein supplementation, protein intakes at amounts greater than ~1.6 g/kg/day do not further contribute resistance training-induced gains in fat-free mass [18].
- Patients do not benefit from creatine supplementation during the first 12 weeks of rehabilitation after ACL reconstruction [26].
- Substantial barriers like inconsistent protocols and patient nonadherence remain for nutritional optimization in spine surgery, highlighting the need for multifactorial assessment and standardization of multidisciplinary nutritional protocols [22].
Practical Considerations
Perioperative and Postoperative Supplementation
- Conditionally essential amino acid (CEAA) supplementation has a protective effect against common complications and early skeletal muscle wasting after operative fixation of extremity and pelvic fractures [9].
- A low-cost commercially available amino acid supplement resulted in fewer overall complications postoperatively and was a low-risk intervention for the patient population [19].
- Protein supplementation is a low-cost intervention that is easy to incorporate into perioperative management for total knee arthroplasty [20].
- The beneficial effects of protein supplementation on muscle strength after total knee arthroplasty could potentially reduce the risk of longer-term complications, such as falls and periprosthetic fracture [20].
- Substantial barriers to nutritional optimization in spine surgery include inconsistent protocols and patient nonadherence, highlighting the need for multifactorial assessment and standardization of multidisciplinary nutritional protocols [22].
Osteoarthritis and Joint Health
- The excellent safety profile of glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate should be discussed with patients, and they may serve a role as an initial treatment modality for many osteoarthritis patients [4].
- The lack of substantial evidence currently prevents a ringing endorsement of glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate for osteoarthritis management [10].
- Evidence supports the efficacy of glucosamine sulfate in reducing pain, improving function, and possibly regulating joint damage in knee osteoarthritis [7].
- If the cost is not prohibitive, glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate may be considered reasonable treatment options as part of a multimodal approach for symptomatic primary hand osteoarthritis [14].
- Supplementation of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) is effective to relieve pain and improve joint function in patients with osteoarthritis [6].
- EPA supplementation could offer a promising strategy for preventing post-traumatic osteoarthritis (PTOA) progression following acute cartilage injuries [16].
Musculoskeletal Recovery and Sarcopenia
- Specific nutritional supplementation alone might benefit geriatric patients, especially those who are unable to exercise, as shown by proof-of-principle in a vitamin D and leucine-enriched whey protein study [2].
- With protein supplementation, protein intakes at amounts greater than ~1.6 g/kg/day do not further contribute to resistance training-induced gains in fat-free mass in healthy adults [18].
General and Sports Medicine Considerations
- Because of the lack of robust efficacy and safety data, peptide supplements should not currently be recommended as a replacement or adjunct for existing orthopaedic standard of care [1].
Key Evidence
- [L5] Because of the lack of robust efficacy and safety data, peptide supplements should not currently be recommended as a replacement or adjunct for existing orthopaedic standard of care. [1] (10.1177/03635465261464420)
- [L1] This study shows proof-of-principle that specific nutritional supplementation alone might benefit geriatric patients, especially relevant for those who are unable to exercise. [2] (10.1016/j.jamda.2015.05.021)
- [L1] While effects on muscle strength and function are mixed, intravenous supplementation offers benefits. [3] (10.1186/s13018-025-05847-4)
- [L2] The excellent safety profile of these supplements should be discussed with patients, and they may serve a role as an initial treatment modality for many OA patients. [4] (10.1016/j.arthro.2008.07.020)
- [L1] Adjuvant oral supplementation may increase the efficacy of physical therapy by shortening the time needed to return to pre-injury activity and the analgesic consumption. [5] (10.1177/2325967118s00040)
- [L1] Supplementation of n-3 PUFAs is effective to relieve pain and improve joint function in patients with OA. [6] (10.1186/s13018-023-03855-w)
- [L4] The evidence supports efficacy in reducing pain, improving function, and possibly regulating joint damage. [7] (10.1186/s12891-022-06046-6)
- [L1] Supplementation with omega-3 PUFAs for 3-4 months reduces patient reported joint pain intensity, minutes of morning stiffness, number of painful and/or tender joints, and NSAID consumption. [8] (10.1016/j.pain.2007.01.020)
- [L1] CEAA supplementation has a protective effect against common complications and early skeletal muscle wasting after operative fixation of extremity and pelvic fractures. [9] (10.2106/jbjs.21.01014)
- [L5] The authors conclude that while glucosamine sulfate has potential to relieve pain and improve function with low side effects, unanswered questions regarding long-term effects and dosage preclude a definitive endorsement, and the lack of substantial evidence currently prevents a ringing endorsement of these agents. [10] (10.5435/00124635-200109000-00009)
- [L5] Nutrition consultation and perioperative supplementation with amino acids and micronutrients are 2 readily available interventions that orthopaedic surgeons can select for malnourished patients. [11] (10.2106/jbjs.rvw.23.00242)
- [Paper] The appropriate use of some supplements can benefit the athlete, but others may harm the athlete’s health, performance, and/or livelihood and reputation (if an antidoping rule violation results). [12] (10.1136/bjsports-2018-099027)
- [L4] Nutritional supplementation has been shown to markedly reduce hospital costs by reducing rates of ICU admissions, hospital-associated complications, and hospital-acquired infections. [13] (10.5435/jaaos-d-23-00300)
- [L4] If the cost is not prohibitive, these products may be considered reasonable treatment options as part of a multimodal approach for symptomatic primary osteoarthritis. [14] (10.1016/j.jhsa.2013.05.017)
- [L5] Our recommendations for data capture relating to female athlete population characteristics, and injuries, illnesses and other health consequences, will improve the quality of epidemiological studies, to inform better injury and illness prevention strategies. [15] (10.1136/bjsports-2022-106620)
- [L5] The findings suggest that EPA supplementation could offer a promising strategy for preventing PTOA progression following acute cartilage injuries. [16] (10.1186/s13018-024-05081-4)
- [L1] However, oral nutritional supplementation and dietetic assistance represent low-risk interventions that may improve morbidity and mortality. [17] (10.1097/corr.0000000000000658)
- [L1] With protein supplementation, protein intakes at amounts greater than ~1.6 g/kg/day do not further contribute RET-induced gains in FFM. [18] (10.1136/bjsports-2017-097608)
- [L5] The use of the low-cost commercially available amino acid supplement resulted in fewer overall complications postoperatively and was a low-risk intervention for their patient population. [19] (10.2106/jbjs.22.00078)
- [L5] Protein supplementation is a low-cost intervention that is easy to incorporate into perioperative management, and the beneficial effects on muscle strength could potentially reduce the risk of longer-term complications, such as falls and periprosthetic fracture. [20] (10.2106/jbjs.22.01357)
- [L4] Integrating targeted nutrition into prehabilitation pathways may help reduce complications and support faster functional gains. [21] (10.1016/j.arth.2026.03.088)
- [L4] Despite these benefits, substantial barriers like inconsistent protocols and patient nonadherence remain, highlighting the need for multifactorial assessment and standardization of multidisciplinary nutritional protocols. [22] (10.5435/jaaos-d-25-00757)
- [L4] Perioperative nutritional optimization has been associated with improved outcomes for patients undergoing spine surgery, but additional investigation is needed to determine effective perioperative nutritional protocols. [23] (10.5435/jaaos-d-24-01101)
- [L1] Protein supplementation appears to have beneficial effects on mitigating muscle atrophy in the postoperative period following ACLR, THA, TKA, and surgical treatment of hip fracture. [24] (10.1177/2325967123s00326)
- [L1] The results of the study showed that the eight-week collagen-based supplement had a positive effect on pain and quality of life levels and some functional test results in patients with meniscopathy. [25] (10.1186/s12891-024-08244-w)
- [L1] The results demonstrate that patients do not benefit from creatine supplementation during the first 12 weeks of rehabilitation after ACL reconstruction. [26] (10.1177/0363546503261731)
- [L1] Our findings demonstrate significant pain relief in patients with knee osteoarthritis who received collagen peptides compared to those who received placebo. [27] (10.1186/s13018-023-04182-w)
- [L4] The treatment with hydrolyzed collagen was effective in reducing pain and supporting functional recovery in patients with rotator cuff tendinopathy, with effects observed after the first injection and persisting up to six months. [29] (10.1016/j.jseint.2023.06.009)
- [L1] Perioperative essential amino acid supplementation prevents rectus femoris muscle atrophy and accelerates early functional recovery after total knee arthroplasty. [30] (10.1302/0301-620x.102b6.bjj-2019-1370.r1)
- [L1] The comprehensive balanced nutrition supplement resulted in lower complication rates and mortality at 120 days postoperatively. [31] (10.1097/01.blo.0000224054.86625.06)
- [L5] This might indicate that GlcN exerts its potential analgesic properties through stimulation of synovial HA production. [32] (10.1186/1471-2474-9-120)
- [L1] Oral chondroitin is more effective than placebo on relieving pain and improving physical function, while glucosamine showed effect on stiffness outcome. [33] (10.1186/s13018-018-0871-5)
References
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[2] Effects of a Vitamin D and Leucine-Enriched Whey Protein Nutritional Supplement on Measures of Sarcopenia in Older Adults, the PROVIDE Study: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial. Journal of the American Medical Directors Association. 2015. DOI: 10.1016/j.jamda.2015.05.021
[3] Peri-operative protein or amino acid supplementation for total joint arthroplasty: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Journal of Orthopaedic Surgery and Research. 2025. DOI: 10.1186/s13018-025-05847-4
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[5] Efficacy and Tolerability of a Dietary Supplement Containing Collagen, Hyaluronic Acid, Chondroitin Sulfate and Plasma Proteins in the Recovery After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction. Orthopaedic Journal of Sports Medicine. 2018. DOI: 10.1177/2325967118s00040
[6] Effect of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids supplementation for patients with osteoarthritis: a meta-analysis. Journal of Orthopaedic Surgery and Research. 2023. DOI: 10.1186/s13018-023-03855-w
[7] Possible synergic action of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and glucosamine sulfate for the treatment of knee osteoarthritis: a scoping review. BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders. 2022. DOI: 10.1186/s12891-022-06046-6
[8] A meta-analysis of the analgesic effects of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid supplementation for inflammatory joint pain. Pain. 2007. DOI: 10.1016/j.pain.2007.01.020
[9] Conditionally Essential Amino Acid Supplementation Reduces Postoperative Complications and Muscle Wasting After Fracture Fixation. Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery. 2022. DOI: 10.2106/jbjs.21.01014
[10] Use of Glucosamine and Chondroitin Sulfate in the Management of Osteoarthritis. Journal of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. 2001. DOI: 10.5435/00124635-200109000-00009
[11] The Role of Perioperative Nutritional Status and Supplementation in Orthopaedic Surgery. JBJS Reviews. 2024. DOI: 10.2106/jbjs.rvw.23.00242
[12] IOC consensus statement: dietary supplements and the high-performance athlete. British Journal of Sports Medicine. 2018. DOI: 10.1136/bjsports-2018-099027
[13] The Role of Amino Acid Supplementation in Orthopaedic Surgery. Journal of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. 2023. DOI: 10.5435/jaaos-d-23-00300
[14] Glucosamine and Chondroitin Sulfate Treatment of Hand Osteoarthritis. The Journal of Hand Surgery. 2013. DOI: 10.1016/j.jhsa.2013.05.017
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[16] Omega-3 fatty acids protect cartilage from acute injurie by reducing the mechanical sensitivity of chondrocytes. Journal of Orthopaedic Surgery and Research. 2024. DOI: 10.1186/s13018-024-05081-4
[17] Cochrane in CORR®: Nutritional Supplementation for Hip Fracture Aftercare in Older People. Clinical Orthopaedics & Related Research. 2019. DOI: 10.1097/corr.0000000000000658
[18] A systematic review, meta-analysis and meta-regression of the effect of protein supplementation on resistance training-induced gains in muscle mass and strength in healthy adults. British Journal of Sports Medicine. 2017. DOI: 10.1136/bjsports-2017-097608
[19] Essential Amino Acid Supplementation: Feed the Injured Patient. Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery. 2022. DOI: 10.2106/jbjs.22.00078
[20] Nutritional Optimization with Amino Acid Supplementation Aids Recovery After Total Knee Arthroplasty. Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery. 2023. DOI: 10.2106/jbjs.22.01357
[21] Perioperative Nutritional Optimization in Total Joint Arthroplasty: From Screening to Supplementation. The Journal of Arthroplasty. 2026. DOI: 10.1016/j.arth.2026.03.088
[22] Nutritional Optimization in Spine Surgery: A Review of Its Implications for Postoperative Recovery and Outcomes. Journal of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. 2026. DOI: 10.5435/jaaos-d-25-00757
[23] Perioperative Nutritional Optimization in Spine Surgery. Journal of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. 2025. DOI: 10.5435/jaaos-d-24-01101
[24] Poster 363: Post-Operative Protein Supplementation following Orthopaedic Surgery: A Systematic Review. Orthopaedic Journal of Sports Medicine. 2023. DOI: 10.1177/2325967123s00326
[25] The effect of supplementation with type I and type III collagen peptide and type II hydrolyzed collagen on pain, quality of life and physical function in patients with meniscopathy: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders. 2025. DOI: 10.1186/s12891-024-08244-w
[26] The Effect of Creatine Supplementation on Strength Recovery after Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) Reconstruction. The American Journal of Sports Medicine. 2004. DOI: 10.1177/0363546503261731
[27] Analgesic efficacy of collagen peptide in knee osteoarthritis: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Journal of Orthopaedic Surgery and Research. 2023. DOI: 10.1186/s13018-023-04182-w
[29] Subacromial injection of hydrolyzed collagen in the symptomatic treatment of rotator cuff tendinopathy: an observational multicentric prospective study on 71 patients. JSES International. 2023. DOI: 10.1016/j.jseint.2023.06.009
[30] 2020 Chitranjan S. Ranawat Award: Perioperative essential amino acid supplementation suppresses rectus femoris muscle atrophy and accelerates early functional recovery following total knee arthroplasty. The Bone & Joint Journal. 2020. DOI: 10.1302/0301-620x.102b6.bjj-2019-1370.r1
[31] Nutritional Supplementation Decreases Hip Fracture-related Complications. Clinical Orthopaedics and Related Research. 2006. DOI: 10.1097/01.blo.0000224054.86625.06
[32] Glucosamine increases hyaluronic acid production in human osteoarthritic synovium explants. BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders. 2008. DOI: 10.1186/1471-2474-9-120
[33] Effectiveness and safety of glucosamine and chondroitin for the treatment of osteoarthritis: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Journal of Orthopaedic Surgery and Research. 2018. DOI: 10.1186/s13018-018-0871-5




