High Fat Diet Can Benefit Cartilage Repair

New research, published in Wiley, has discovered that a diet high in fats could reduce the recovery times in cartilage.

Many factors increase the risk and progression of degenerative joint disorders such as osteoarthritis (OA). Obesity is one of these risks. Although the association between obesity and OA exists, the link to cartilage health has been previously unknown.

Researchers conducted a study in animal subjects to test the effects of a high fat diet and obesity, in relation to cartilage repair. Mice on a high fat diet, consisting of 60 percent fat were compared to mice on a standard diet.

Results showed that subjects on a high fat diet showed no impairment in cartilage repair after an induced injury, when compared to control mice. Furthermore, mice on a high fat diet demonstrated slightly faster rates of cartilage repair.

As these findings are in animal subjects, it is important to determine whether similar findings can be demonstrated in humans. This research suggests that a high fat diet may be important in order to support cartilage repair.

Dr. Allison Galan is a licensed ND practicing in Calgary. She has a passion for empowering her patients to be their own catalyst for change, while supporting them in their health and wellness goals. She believes whole-heartedly in the mind-body connection, which is an integral component of her practice.

Allison graduated from the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine, and also holds a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology. This strong background in sport science, has allowed her to incorporate sports medicine into her integrated naturopathic practice.

Wu Wei, Yvonne M. Bastiaansen-Jenniskens, Mathijs Suijkerbuijk, Nicole Kops, Pieter K. Bos, Jan A.N. Verhaar, Anne-Marie Zuurmond, Francesco Dell’Accio, Gerjo J.V.M. van Osch. High fat diet accelerates cartilage repair in DBA/1 mice. Journal of Orthopaedic Research, 2016; DOI: 10.1002/jor.23280