Original Research

Non-allopathic adjuvant management of osteoarthritis by alkalinisation of the diet

David P. van Velden, Helmuth Reuter, Martin Kidd, F. Otto Müller
African Journal of Primary Health Care & Family Medicine | Vol 7, No 1 | a780 | DOI: https://doi.org/10.4102/phcfm.v7i1.780 | © 2015 David P. van Velden, Helmuth Reuter, Martin Kidd, F. Otto Müller | This work is licensed under CC Attribution 4.0
Submitted: 02 October 2014 | Published: 21 April 2015

About the author(s)

David P. van Velden, Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Department of Pathology, Stellenbosch University, South Africa
Helmuth Reuter, Winelands Medical Research Centre, South Africa
Martin Kidd, Centre for Statistical Consultation, Department of Statistics and Actuarial Sciences, Stellenbosch University, South Africa
F. Otto Müller, Clinical Trials and Drug Development Consultant, George, South Africa

Abstract

Background: Osteoarthritis (OA) is a chronic condition. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs recommended for treatment have serious adverse effects. A compelling body of anecdotal evidence alerted the authors to the therapeutic potential of dietary supplementation with Multiforce® (MF) Alkaline Powder for relief of OA symptoms.

Aim: The aim of the study was to test the hypothesis that dietary supplementation with MF relieves clinical signs and symptoms of OA of the hands.

Setting: The study was done at the MEDSAC hospital in Somerset West, Western Cape, South Africa.

Methods: The research was conducted in two stages. An open interventional study (n = 40) confirmed the notion that MF 7.5 g twice daily is likely to be an effective alternative or adjunct for relief of symptoms of OA of the hands. The main study was conducted with 100 eligible, consenting volunteers (aged 47–89 years) according to a randomised, placebo-controlled, crossover design. Study duration was 56 days, 28 days per regimen; crossover to alternate regimens took place on day 28.

Results: Compared to placebo, MF intake over 28 days was associated with significant reductions ( p < 0.005) in pain, tenderness and stiffness of interphalangeal and metacarpophalangeal joints of the hand. Confirmation of systemic alkalinisation by MF, which is rich in organic anions in the form of citrate salts, was reflected by a significant and sustained increase in urine pH.

Conclusion: A dietary supplement, Multiforce® Alkaline Powder, containing citrate salts which are converted into bicarbonate in vivo, was efficacious and safe as sole therapeutic intervention, significantly attenuating OA-associated signs and symptoms of the hands.


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