Daily Fiber Had a Surprising Effect on Knee Pain and Arthritis
Researchers from the University of Nottingham in England found that eating fiber from specific foods helped reduce knee pain among individuals with osteoarthritis.
A study published in 2026 in the peer-reviewed journal Nutrients investigated the effects of inulin fiber on knee pain and arthritis. Researchers measured GLP-1 presence in the gut, short-chain fatty acids, and physical discomfort on a pain scale. The results showed that pain improved with inulin, as did grip strength and pain sensitivity thresholds. Participants taking fiber were more likely to maintain the regimen than those in the physical therapy group. The study suggests that targeting gut health with a prebiotic supplement is a safe and effective way to reduce pain in people with knee osteoarthritis.