Abstract
InstaflexTM is a joint pain supplement containing glucosamine sulfate, methylsufonlylmethane (MSM), white willow bark extract (standardized to 15% salicin), ginger root concentrate, boswella serrata extract (standardized to 65% boswellic acid), turmeric root extract, cayenne, and hyaluronic acid. Subjects included 100 men and women, ages 50‐75 years, with a history (>3 months) of joint pain, and were randomized to Instaflex or placebo (3 colored gel capsules per day for 8 weeks, double‐blind administration). Joint pain severity was significantly reduced in Instaflex compared to placebo (8‐week WOMAC, ‐37% versus ‐16%, respectively, interaction effect P=0.025), with group differences emerging by week 4. Improvements in ability to perform daily activities and stiffness scores in Instaflex were most evident for the 74% of subjects reporting knee pain (8‐week WOMAC function score, ‐39% versus ‐14%, respectively, interaction effect P=0.027; stiffness score, ‐30% versus ‐12%, respectively, interaction effect P=0.081). Patterns of change in SF‐36, systemic inflammation biomarkers, and the 6‐minute walk test did not differ significantly between groups. Results from this randomized, double blind, placebo‐controlled community trial support the use of the Instaflex dietary supplement in alleviating joint pain severity in middle‐aged and older adults.
Highlights
The purpose of this study was to assess the effect of 8-weeks ingestion of a commercialized joint pain dietary supplement (InstaflexTM Joint Support, Direct Digital, Charlotte, NC) compared to placebo on joint pain, stiffness, and function in adults with self-reported joint pain
Subjects agreed to avoid the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID) and all other medications and supplements targeted for joint pain
Joint pain severity was significantly reduced in InstaflexTM compared to placebo (8-week Western Ontario and McMaster Universities (WOMAC), ↓37% versus ↓16%, respectively, interaction effect P = 0.025), with group differences using the 12-point Likert visual scale (12-VS) emerging by week 4 of the study
Summary
The purpose of this study was to assess the effect of 8-weeks ingestion of a commercialized joint pain dietary supplement (InstaflexTM Joint Support, Direct Digital, Charlotte, NC) compared to placebo on joint pain, stiffness, and function in adults with self-reported joint pain. Results- Joint pain severity was significantly reduced in InstaflexTM compared to placebo (8-week WOMAC, ↓37% versus ↓16%, respectively, interaction effect P=0.025), with group differences using the 12-VS emerging by week 4 of the study (interaction effect, P=0.0125). Improvements in ability to perform daily activities and stiffness scores in InstaflexTM compared to placebo were most evident for the 74% of subjects reporting knee pain (8-week WOMAC function score, ↓39% versus ↓14%, respectively, interaction effect P=0.027; stiffness score, ↓30% versus ↓12%, respectively, interaction effect P= 0.081). Patterns of change in SF-36, systemic inflammation biomarkers, and the 6-minute walk test did not differ significantly between groups during the 8-week study Conclusions-Results from this randomized, double blind, placebo-controlled community trial support the use of the InstaflexTM dietary supplement in alleviating joint pain severity in middle-aged and older adults, with mitigation of difficulty performing daily activities most apparent in subjects with knee pain. Predictors of knee pain include older age, weight gain and obesity, and previous knee injury, with the combination of weight loss with exercise a well-recognized intervention to alleviate symptoms and improve function [2,3]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
