Knee osteoarthritis: a controlled clinical study confirms the benefits of orally administered Cetylated Fatty Acids (CFAs)

Knee osteoarthritis: a common condition with complex management

Knee osteoarthritis is one of the most prevalent chronic musculoskeletal disorders and a frequent cause of persistent pain, joint stiffness, and reduced mobility. This condition can significantly impact quality of life by limiting daily activities and reducing functional independence.

Alongside established therapeutic approaches, scientific research in recent years has increasingly focused on complementary strategies aimed at supporting symptom management. In this context, emerging clinical data are expanding current knowledge regarding the potential role of specific nutrients in joint health.
What insights can be drawn from the most recent scientific evidence?

A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial, published in the European Journal of Clinical Nutrition in 2025, reported that orally administered Cetylated Fatty Acids (CFAs) were associated with a reduction in pain and an improvement in functional capacity in patients with knee osteoarthritis compared with placebo.

The study

The study, entitled “Effects of orally administered cetylated fatty acids on symptoms and functional capacity in patients with knee osteoarthritis”, was conducted by Dr Manana Zodeleva and colleagues across several hospital centers in Tbilisi (Georgia).

This was a prospective, randomized, double-blind study involving 59 patients (mean age 66 years, predominantly female) with moderate-to-severe knee osteoarthritis (grade 3–4), characterized by clinically relevant pain.

Participants were allocated to two groups:

• CFA group: 1.5 g/day of Cetylated Fatty Acids (CFAs) (Cetilar® Oro) for 60 days
• Placebo group: placebo treatment identical in administration method and duration

The primary endpoint was to evaluate the effectiveness of CFAs in pain reduction, while secondary endpoints included improvements in joint function, mobility, and treatment safety.

In simple terms: the study assessed whether daily CFA supplementation could reduce knee pain and improve movement compared with placebo.

Results

After 60 days of treatment, the results demonstrated clinically meaningful benefits in the CFA-treated group:

• Pain reduction: mean decrease of 1.7 cm on the VAS scale, compared with 0.6 cm in the placebo group (p < 0.005)
• Improved joint function: improvement in WOMAC scores, assessing pain, stiffness, and physical function
• Greater knee mobility: statistically significant improvements in flexion and external rotation
• Good tolerability: mild and transient adverse events, with no treatment discontinuations

In brief: patients receiving Cetylated Fatty Acids (CFAs) reported less pain and greater freedom of movement, with a favorable safety profile.

Practical implications

These findings indicate that oral supplementation with Cetylated Fatty Acids (CFAs) may represent a complementary option in the management of knee osteoarthritis, particularly in patients experiencing persistent pain and reduced mobility, within the context of an individualized and professionally supervised approach.

Improved joint mobility and pain reduction are tangible benefits that may translate into greater independence in daily activities.

In simple terms: less pain and better movement can help reduce the everyday limitations associated with knee osteoarthritis.

It is important to emphasize that such nutritional support does not replace prescribed therapies, but may be considered as an adjunct following evaluation by a healthcare professional.

New clinical evidence in the management of knee osteoarthritis

The study published in the European Journal of Clinical Nutrition suggests that oral supplementation with Cetylated Fatty Acids (CFAs) was associated with an improvement in the main symptoms of knee osteoarthritis, demonstrating a favorable safety profile within the evaluated setting.

These data are relevant and contribute to the growing body of evidence supporting a nutraceutical approach as a potential adjunct within an integrated strategy for the management of chronic musculoskeletal disorders.

Clinical research in musculoskeletal diseases continues to evolve, providing valuable insights into the possible role of specific nutrients and formulations in supporting joint health.

To learn more, read the full study on PubMed Central.

Disclaimer

This content is intended for informational and educational purposes only and does not replace the clinical judgment of healthcare professionals. Therapeutic decisions should be based on individual patient assessment and current clinical guidelines.

FAQ – Knee Osteoarthritis and Cetylated Fatty Acids (CFAs)

What are Cetylated Fatty Acids (CFAs)?
They are a combination of plant-derived fatty acids used in the nutraceutical field to support joint function.

Do Cetylated Fatty Acids (CFAs) really help reduce knee pain?
According to this controlled clinical study, oral CFA supplementation reduced pain to a greater extent than placebo in patients with knee osteoarthritis.

How long should they be taken?
In the study, benefits were observed after 60 days of daily supplementation.

Are they safe?
Yes. The treatment was well tolerated, with few mild adverse events and no discontinuations due to side effects.