The extract of eggshell membrane appears to significantly reduce symptoms of osteoarthritis, according to a study completed recently and whose results were published in Clinical Rheumatology. Eggshell membrane extract also was shown to be superior to two other natural treatments for osteoarthritis, glucosamine and chondroitin.
Osteoarthritis, glucosamine, and chondroitin
Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease and the most common form of arthritis. It affects approximately 20 million people in the United States. The disease occurs when cartilage in the joints wear down over time. Osteoarthrits can affect any joint in the body, although it most often impacts the hands, knees, spine, and hips.
Both glucosamine and chondroitin are popular natural treatments for osteoarthritis and other types of arthritis. Glucosamine is extracted from the shells of lobster, shrimp, and crabs, although there is at least one non-animal non-shellfish product on the market for people who have shellfish allergies and vegans who avoid all animal products. Chondroitin, which is often used along with glucosamine for arthritis treatment, is extracted from animal cartilage.
Eggshell membrane study
Eggshell membrane contains glycosaminoglycans and proteins (glucosamine, chondroitin sulfate, hyaluronic acid, collagen) that are necessary for maintaining healthy cartilage and the synovium, a thin layer of tissue that lines the space around a joint. In the randomized, multicenter, double-blind, placebo-controlled study, 67 patients received either 500 mg of eggshell membrane (34 patients) or placebo (33) daily for eight weeks.
The patients were evaluated at 10, 30, and 60 days for arthritis symptoms based on the Western Ontario and McMasters Universities (WOMAC) Osteoarthritis Index, as well as for pain, joint stiffness, and function. WOMAC evaluates 24 different factors involving pain, stiffness, and function, such as ability to climb stairs, get in and out of a car, and sit in a chair, as well as amount of pain when walking and resting.
The patients who were taking eggshell membrane extract noted an improvement in pain and stiffness in as few as ten days. By the end of the study, patients in the treatment group reported significantly reduced joint pain and stiffness compared with the patients in the placebo group . The patients tolerated the supplement well, and no one had experienced any serious adverse effects.
Related eggshell membrane study
In a related study in which researchers evaluated the use of eggshell membrane extract in people who had joint and connective tissue disorders, 39 patients received 500 mg once daily for four weeks. After seven days, patients reported an improvement in flexibility (27.8% increase). After 30 days, the participants reported a reduction in general pain (72.5% decline), an increase in flexibility (43.7% improvement), and a reduction in pain associated with range of motion (75.9%). As was seen in the study of eggshell membrane extract for osteoarthritis, the patients tolerated the supplement well.
Eggshell membrane extract supplements
Several supplement manufacturers make eggshell membrane extract products, which are available in health and natural food stores, as well as on the internet. The suggested daily dose is 500 mg, but anyone who is considering taking eggshell membrane extract should consult their health-care professional before doing so. People who have an egg allergy should not take this supplement.
Source: examiner.com