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Dietary Inflammatory Potential Linked to Lower Energy Levels in Males with Knee Osteoarthritis

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

A recent study published in Frontiers in Nutrition has shed light on the relationship between dietary inflammatory potential and health-related outcomes in individuals with knee osteoarthritis. The research, conducted by Adam G. Culvenor and his team at La Trobe University, found that a more proinflammatory diet was associated with lower energy levels in males with symptomatic knee osteoarthritis, but no significant associations were found between dietary inflammatory potential and sleep quality, fatigue, or psychological distress.

Key Takeaways:

  • The study analyzed baseline data from 144 participants (64% female) aged 45-85 years with symptomatic knee OA enrolled in the FEAST randomized controlled trial.
  • Male and female participants had a mean BMI of 30.4 +/- 3.8 and 30.2 +/- 7.2 kg/m2, respectively.
  • Mean E-DII and DII scores were -0.35 +/- 1.34 and 0.72 +/- 1.49 (females), and -0.26 +/- 1.52 and 0.33 +/- 1.45 (males).
  • Higher E-DII scores were associated with lower EQ-5D utility scores in females, but the association disappeared after adjustment.
  • Higher DII scores were associated with lower energy levels in males, both before and after adjustment.
  • No associations were found between DII and HRQOL, sleep, fatigue, or psychological distress in either sex.
  • The study suggests that reducing dietary inflammation may improve energy levels in males with knee osteoarthritis.

Statistics:

  • 144 participants (64% female) aged 45-85 years with symptomatic knee OA were enrolled in the FEAST randomized controlled trial.
  • 30.4 +/- 3.8 kg/m2 (2.9% SE) was the mean BMI in male participants.
  • 30.2 +/- 7.2 kg/m2 (4.2% SE) was the mean BMI in female participants.
  • Mean E-DII scores were -0.35 +/- 1.34 (21.1% SE).
  • Mean DII scores were 0.72 +/- 1.49 (28.2% SE) in female participants.
  • Mean DII scores were 0.33 +/- 1.45 (23.8% SE) in male participants.

Sources:

  • Culvenor AG, Law L, Heerey JJ, et al. The Inflammatory Potential of Diet In Adults With Knee Osteoarthritis: Sex-specific Associations With Quality of Life, Sleep, Fatigue and Mental Health. Frontiers in Nutrition, 2025;12.
  • NewsRx. New Findings from La Trobe University in Knee Osteoarthritis Provides New Insights (The Inflammatory Potential of Diet In Adults With Knee Osteoarthritis: Sex-specific Associations With Quality of Life, Sleep, Fatigue and Mental Health). Psychology & Psychiatry Journal. November 1, 2025; p 507.

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