IMPACT OF DIETARY SUPPLEMENTATION ON FUNCTIONAL OUTCOME FOLLOWING DRF
Research type
Research Study
Full title
THE IMPACT OF DIETARY SUPPLEMENTATION ON FUNCTIONAL OUTCOME FOLLOWING DISTAL RADIUS FRACTURE
IRAS ID
152570
Contact name
Anna Litwic
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University Hospital Southampton
Research summary
Osteoporosis is an important public health problem because it causes broken bones, particularly in the spine, hip and wrist. This has a huge personal and economic cost. While distal radius fractures (DRF) are traditionally considered less significant than other osteoporotic fractures, they are often associated with complications. Problems after fracture include Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS). CRPS is a syndrome of pain in the affected limb, which may also change colour or temperature and may swell or sweat. Impaired blood flow through the affected tissues is the key element to the CRPS. It can be difficult to treat and can have a major impact on patients quality of life. Previous work has suggested some nutritional interventions might reduce this problem. We hope to build on this research to find out more about how vitamin C and blueberries consumption may help to prevent this complication.
The research is based in Southampton, enlisting help of approximately 60 subjects, who have suffered a DRF. We wish to conduct a pilot study of a randomised trial of food supplementation as fruit juice to patients who have suffered a DRF and assess its effect on a blood flow through the affected tissues. We will also assess its effect on patients’ quality of life and perform specified measurements of muscle and bone mass by using pQCT. Women, will be recruited from the fracture clinic at University Hospital Southampton, within two weeks of fracture. Participants will be randomised to one of three arms: 1) orange juice, 2) blueberry juice and 3) acerola cherry juice. Participants will be asked to take supplements for 50 days. Follow up will take place at 6 weeks; 3 months; 6 months. The research is funded by The Research Management Committee at University of Southampton.
REC name
London - Camberwell St Giles Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
14/LO/1384
Date of REC Opinion
9 Sep 2014
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion