HSA | FSA CARDS ARE NOW ACCEPTED

Last reviewed: May 12, 2026 Last updated: May 12, 2026

Written by: Jay Hastings , CEO of PlexusDx

Jay Hastings is the CEO of PlexusDx, a precision health company focused on genetic testing, blood biomarker insights, and personalized wellness recommendations. He has more than 20 years of experience across healthcare innovation, genomics, laboratory operations, healthcare investing, and strategic finance. His work has included scaling healthcare startups, leading CLIA lab integrations, and helping expand consumer access to precision health tools.

Medically reviewed by: Jayden Lee, PharmD, EMBA

Jayden Lee, PharmD, EMBA, is the PlexusDx Medical Science Liaison with a PharmD and MBA specializing in pharmacogenomics and clinical product development, with a proven ability to bridge the gap between genomic research and practical patient outcomes. Dr. Lee has more than 10 years of professional experience in clinical pharmacy, academia, and research.

IL1B and Osteoarthritis: What Your Genotype May Mean for Joint Health

Arthritis, particularly osteoarthritis, is a common condition that causes joint pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility. It most often affects the knees, hips, hands, and spine. Osteoarthritis develops when cartilage that cushions the ends of bones breaks down, leading to friction, inflammation, and pain. The IL1B gene makes a protein called Interleukin 1 beta or IL-1β, a potent inflammatory signaling molecule. Variations in IL1B can influence how much IL-1β your body produces and how strongly your joints respond to injury or wear. This can affect the rate of cartilage breakdown and the severity of arthritis symptoms.

How to Read This Report

This article explains what different genotypes at the IL1B variant rs1143634 can mean for osteoarthritis risk and practical ways to support joint health. PlexusDx does not provide medical advice. Use this information to learn about genetic predisposition only. Always consult your healthcare provider before making changes to medication, supplements, or treatment plans.

Genetic Interpretations

Two effect alleles (AA) — increased risk

If your genotype is AA at rs1143634, you carry two copies of the effect allele. This genotype is associated with a higher likelihood of increased IL-1β activity and an elevated risk of developing or accelerating osteoarthritis. You may be more prone to joint inflammation that promotes cartilage breakdown and symptom progression.

Practical considerations

  • Focus on an anti-inflammatory diet high in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, seeds, and oily fish rich in omega-3s.
  • Maintain a healthy weight to reduce joint load, especially on knees and hips.
  • Prioritize regular low-impact exercise such as swimming, cycling, walking, tai chi, or water aerobics to preserve mobility and strengthen muscles around joints.
  • Work with your provider to evaluate supplements such as glucosamine, chondroitin, and turmeric (curcumin) for symptom support. Discuss dosage and interactions before starting.
  • Avoid smoking and limit excessive alcohol intake, both of which can worsen inflammation and slow tissue repair.
  • Consider physical therapy, occupational therapy, or structured exercise programs to improve joint mechanics and reduce pain.
  • Monitor symptoms and discuss imaging or referrals with your provider if pain or function declines.
One effect allele (AG) — likely increased risk

If your genotype is AG at rs1143634, you carry one copy of the effect allele. This genotype is associated with a likely increased tendency toward higher IL-1β activity compared with the non-effect genotype. The change is smaller than with two effect alleles but may still contribute to higher susceptibility to joint inflammation and osteoarthritis over time.

Practical considerations

  • Adopt an anti-inflammatory eating pattern emphasizing whole foods, colorful vegetables, berries, legumes, whole grains, olive oil, and fatty fish like salmon, mackerel, or sardines.
  • Include regular joint-friendly exercise at least 3 times per week. Strength training for surrounding muscles helps unload joints and maintain function.
  • Keep weight in a healthy range to reduce mechanical stress on weight bearing joints.
  • Speak with your clinician about targeted supplements such as fish oil (omega-3), glucosamine, chondroitin, and curcumin. Use supplements only under clinical guidance.
  • Use heat or cold therapy, supportive braces or orthotics, and modifications to daily activities to manage flare ups and reduce joint strain.
  • Discuss screening and monitoring strategies with your healthcare provider if you have symptoms or family history of early onset osteoarthritis.
No effect alleles (GG) — typical risk

If your genotype is GG at rs1143634, you carry two copies of the non-effect allele. This is the most common genotype and is associated with baseline IL-1β activity related to osteoarthritis risk. It suggests you do not carry the A allele that has been linked to changes in IL-1β production. While your IL1B-related genetic risk is typical, other genetic and lifestyle factors still influence joint health.

Practical considerations

  • Follow general joint health strategies: balanced anti-inflammatory nutrition, healthy body weight, and regular low-impact exercise to maintain mobility and strength.
  • Use preventive measures such as strength training, flexibility work, and ergonomics to reduce long-term joint wear.
  • Consider supplements or topical agents for joint comfort after discussing risks and benefits with your provider.
  • Seek early care for joint injuries and attend recommended follow up to reduce the chance of accelerated degeneration.

Diet and Nutrition Recommendations

An anti-inflammatory diet supports joint health and overall wellness. Key elements include:

  • Plenty of colorful fruits and vegetables for antioxidants and polyphenols.
  • Omega-3 rich foods such as fatty fish, walnuts, flaxseed, and chia seeds to reduce inflammatory signaling.
  • Whole grains and legumes instead of refined carbohydrates to stabilize blood sugar and reduce inflammatory markers.
  • Healthy fats like extra virgin olive oil and avocado in place of saturated and trans fats.
  • Limit processed foods, sugary beverages, and excessive red meat which can increase inflammation.
  • Maintain adequate vitamin D and calcium intake to support bone and joint integrity. Test levels if you suspect deficiency and discuss supplementation with your clinician.

Supplements and Topical Options

Discuss supplements with your healthcare provider. Commonly used options for joint support include:

  • Glucosamine and chondroitin: often used for cartilage support and symptom relief in osteoarthritis for some people.
  • Turmeric (curcumin): a natural anti-inflammatory that may reduce joint pain when taken with an appropriate formulation for absorption.
  • Fish oil (omega-3): can help reduce systemic inflammation and joint discomfort.
  • Topical NSAID gels or patches: may provide targeted pain relief for symptomatic joints under provider guidance.

Lifestyle and Exercise

  • Low-impact aerobic exercise: walking, cycling, swimming, and water aerobics preserve cardiovascular health without heavy joint stress.
  • Strength training: builds the muscles that support joints, reducing mechanical load and pain.
  • Flexibility and balance work: yoga, tai chi, and stretching help maintain range of motion and reduce fall risk.
  • Weight management: each pound of excess weight increases load on knee joints. Even modest weight loss can significantly reduce symptoms.
  • Quit smoking: smoking impairs circulation and tissue repair and worsens inflammation.
  • Sleep and stress management: poor sleep and chronic stress raise inflammatory mediators. Prioritize sleep hygiene and stress reduction practices.

When to See a Healthcare Provider

Contact your provider if you have persistent joint pain, swelling, reduced mobility, or difficulty performing daily activities. Early assessment can lead to interventions that slow progression and improve quality of life. Your provider may recommend physical therapy, diagnostic imaging, targeted medications, injections, or referral to a specialist depending on severity.

Final Notes and Disclaimer

This information is educational and explains how variation at IL1B rs1143634 may influence osteoarthritis risk and practical ways to support joint health. PlexusDx does not provide medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider to interpret genetic results in the context of your clinical history, to decide on tests or treatments, and before starting or stopping any supplements or medications.

If this genetic variant is present in your PlexusDx results, the following tests and reports are commonly used to explore it further:

🧬 Genetic Tests:

🧪 Blood Tests:

📄 Genetic Report:

Frequently Asked Questions About ARTHRITIS and IL1B rs1143634

What does the IL1B rs1143634 genotype mean for osteoarthritis risk?

Your IL1B rs1143634 genotype may affect IL-1β activity, a potent inflammatory signal involved in joint wear and injury response. AA genotypes are associated with increased IL-1β activity and a higher likelihood of developing or accelerating osteoarthritis, AG genotypes suggest a likely increased tendency toward higher IL-1β activity, and GG genotypes reflect typical baseline risk related to IL-1β.

How can I use my IL1B rs1143634 result to support joint health?

Regardless of genotype, joint support focuses on anti-inflammatory nutrition, healthy weight, and regular low-impact movement plus strengthening. If you carry effect alleles (AA or AG), these strategies may be especially valuable because they can help counter inflammatory signaling that may contribute to cartilage breakdown and symptom progression. Consider clinician-guided options such as omega-3 (fish oil), glucosamine/chondroitin, and turmeric (curcumin), and discuss appropriate physical therapy or structured exercise.

When should I contact a healthcare provider for osteoarthritis symptoms?

Contact your provider if you have persistent joint pain, swelling, reduced mobility, or difficulty with daily activities. Early assessment can help slow progression and improve quality of life, and your clinician may recommend physical therapy, diagnostic imaging, targeted medications or injections, or referrals depending on severity.

What tests can help me learn more about ARTHRITIS and IL1B rs1143634?

The Longevity and Healthy Aging Genetic Test delivers over 200 genetic insights related to cellular repair, inflammation balance, metabolism, cardiometabolic health, and aging pathways. The Healthy Aging Genetic Report translates your results into personalized, actionable guidance. Your healthcare provider can also recommend targeted blood tests based on your specific pathway results and health history to complement your genetic insights with current biomarker data.

Medical and Editorial Standards

Medical review process: This article was reviewed for medical accuracy, scientific clarity, evidence alignment, and appropriate discussion of genetics, medications, supplements, biomarkers, and health-related claims.

Sources and evidence: PlexusDx educational content is developed using peer-reviewed research, clinical literature, reputable medical references, and, where applicable, public health or regulatory guidance. References are included at the end of the article when scientific, medical, or health-related claims are discussed.

Commercial transparency: PlexusDx offers genetic testing, blood biomarker testing, personalized supplement recommendations, and related precision wellness services. Product mentions are intended to help readers understand available options and should not be interpreted as medical advice.

Important disclaimer: PlexusDx educational content is for informational purposes only and should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before making decisions about medications, supplements, genetic testing, lab testing, or health-related care.