A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study of proteoglycan and phosphatidylserine tablets for the management of joint pain and mobility

Abstract

This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study evaluated daily oral administration of proteoglycan and phosphatidylserine (PG+PS) for 30 days on osteoarthritis symptoms in adults with moderate to severe knee and hip pain. The study was conducted in Denmark from October 2023 to December 2023. A total of 74 participants (37 female, 37 male, mean age 61 years, mean body mass index 24 kg/m2) were randomized to take 1 table/day placebo (N=34) or 12.5 mg proteoglycan + 60 mg phosphatidylserine (PG+PS, N=40) orally for 30 days. Physical performance was evaluated by stair climb test (SCT) and self-paced walk test (SPWT). Joint pain was evaluated by visual analogue scale (VAS). Statistically significant improvements were observed in the SCT, SPWT, and VAS measure of joint pain for PG+PS vs placebo (all p