Helpers sought for study into knee condition

Feb 15 2008 by Audrey Barton, The Journal

PEOPLE in the North East are needed to help research investigating whether a simple dose of Vitamin D can prevent osteoarthritis.

Sixty-five people are already taking part in a study, either taking Vitamin D or a placebo, but more are being asked to come forward so that researchers at Newcastle University can assess the effects.

They hope to find out if adding Vitamin D to the diet through a tablet or supplement can stop the progression of osteoarthritis in the knee joint by preventing or slowing down the destruction of cartilage and so reduce pain.

Dr Fraser Birrell, who is running the Newcastle centre of the study which is funded by the Arthritis Research Campaign, said more than two million people have osteoarthritis in the UK and it can be extremely painful.

“Currently there is no cure and treatments are aimed merely at controlling pain and trying to keep people active and mobile.

“If this study can prove that Vitamin D reduces the damage done to the cartilage and eases the pain it would be a major advance in treatment.”

He said the study is reliant on the support of North East people who could be helping themselves, and possibly future generations, by taking part.

Marion Dawson, a 53,-year-old social worker from Houghton-le-Spring is involved in the study.

She said: “I’m taking part because I thought if there was any way of stopping the progression of the disease, then it was worth having a go,” she said.

“I work full-time, but taking part in the study hasn’t impacted on my work, sometimes it takes only a couple of hours.”

“I generally try to steer clear of hospitals, but I was fascinated by the initial tests – I was scanned from head to foot and it was totally painless.

“I think that even if Vitamin D can’t help me, it can’t do me any harm and it may help somebody else in the future.”

Data from American studies has suggested that low levels of Vitamin D in the blood are associated with more wear and tear in the joint cartilage at the hip and knee.

People interested in taking part in the study should: be over 50; have osteoarthritis in their knee diagnosed by their doctor or have pain in their knee on most days; not be on the waiting list or expecting to have a knee operation in the near future; be able to get to the Clinical Research Facility at the Royal Victoria Infirmary in Newcastle. To find out more call (0191) 282-0088.