Arthritis pain eased with a prebiotic

If you’re suffering pain from arthritis, a prebiotic could be more effective than a painkiller. The natural gut supplement significantly reduced pain, inflammation and joint stiffness in just 12 weeks, a new study has found.

They worked with a group of 117 volunteers who suffered from knee osteoarthritis, who had physiotherapy sessions and were randomly given either the prebiotic or a placebo for the 12 weeks.

The prebiotic was inulin, a natural dietary fiber found in chicory root, Jerusalem artichokes, leeks and onions. It helped reduce inflammation in the gut, which improved joint health and reduced pain.

Nutrients, 2026; 18(5): 714