Page 114 - JSOM Summer 2018

summary of what information the FDA requires to appear on well the claims made in the commercial market match to the
all product labels. scientific evidence.
The Dietary Supplement Label Database Ingredients That May Help With Musculoskeletal Pain
The Dietary Supplement Label Database (DSLD) was set up A number of ingredients were given “qualified recommenda-
by the Office of Dietary Supplements at the National Institutes tions,” which suggested the evidence for benefit was modest
of Health as a resource for the research community, healthcare and that benefits were more compelling than risks. Table 2
providers, and the public. It provides access to label informa- summarizes the claims made on product labels associated
6
tion for many dietary supplement products on the market. We with the ingredients where “qualified” recommendations
queried the DSLD to explore the types and claims of dietary were made. Overall, 41 unique products with the claims for
supplements marketed for musculoskeletal pain by searching muscle and/or joint pain were identified in the DSLD search,
claims for muscle and/or joint pain. Then we compared the with turmeric/curcumin being the most common ingredient
label information of products with such claims to the ingredi- in 17 of the products. Two claims for this ingredient—“Stop
ents we had scientifically evaluated as described above. This Pain Now*—GUARANTEED” and “When occasional pain
information should help the SOF medical community see how slows you down, you need something safe, effective and

TABLE 2 Select ingredients in Dietary Supplements That May Help Reduce Musculoskeletal Pain
No. of
Products With
Musculoskeletal
Pain Claims in Quality of the Does the Market
Ingredient DSLD (of 41) Examples of Claims Made on Product Labels Evidence Match the Evidence?
Turmeric/ 17 • When pain is the problem, Curamin is the answer! Low NO
curcumin • Stop Pain Now – GUARANTEED ⨁⨁ Should be considered as a
(Curcuma • When occasional pain slows you down, you need dietary source but not used
longa) something safe, effective and powerful—now! as a supplement until further
• Enables the body to perform and recover at its research is conducted
optimum level
• An all-natural equivalent to ibuprofen for temporary
relief of minor pain
• QUICK JOINT PAIN RELIEF – LONG LASTING
FORMULA–5 DAYS TO RELIEF GUARANTEE
• The answer to joint pain
• Delivers proven results for consistent benefits shown
in 20 published studies. All ingredients established in
human studies for safety and effectiveness
Glucosamine 12 • The answer to joint pain Moderate NO
• 5 Days to relief guarantee ⨁⨁⨁ Patented crystalline
• Time tested and clinically proven ingredients to glucosamine sulfate (pCGS)
produce maximum results in a VERY short amount appears to be the most
of time effective form of glucosamine
• Assist the joints in maintaining proper function Over-the-counter versions
appear safe but evidence is
conflicting
Polyunsaturated 8 • Shown to inhibit inflammation associated with Moderate NO
fatty acids breathing, joint and muscle pain, and subsequent ⨁⨁⨁ Should be considered as
immobility associated with inflammation a dietary source but the
• Alleviates everyday joint pain and stiffness exact chemical formulary is
unknown
Melatonin 5 • Stop Pain Now Low NO
• Recent studies have shown may reduce inflammation ⨁⨁ Long-term effects are
throughout the body and may offer relief of minor unknown; lower doses are
joint pain. Additionally, melatonin is regarded as a recommended for use
natural sleep aid
• Supports healthy joint pain management
Ginger 3 • Ideal pain management in chronic myofascial Moderate NO
conditions (e.g., low back pain or fibromyalgia). ⨁⨁⨁ Although the evidence is of
Supports healthy muscle and joint tissue function moderate quality, ginger as a
• Ideal for: Sports injuries, joint pain, lower back pain, dietary supplement does not
chronic inflammation, headaches, everyday aches and appear to be as effective as
pains. other potential ingredients.
• “The Wave of the Future” However, it is already
• Inexpensive, effective, and safe way to lower available in tea/food and
inflammatory chemicals in musculoskeletal tissue for there is no additional risk
those suffering with muscle and joint pain in obtaining ginger via food
sources
Vitamin D 2 • Assist the joints in maintaining proper function Low NO
• Good health—naturally! A traditional remedy for the ⨁⨁ Can be obtained via food
relief of muscular pains, joint pains, and stiffness and sun exposure; use low
doses not to exceed 4,000
IU/day

112 | JSOM Volume 18, Edition 2/Summer 2018