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THERE is an increasing amount of research to suggest that some natural supplements may be able to play a part in relieving joint pain. Below are the six natural supplements most commonly taken for these conditions and details of the scientific studies which examine why they may be able to help. (continued from the article Arthritis & Joint Pain)GLUCOSAMINE SULPHATE Exists naturally in our joints and muscles, and is the most popular supplement taken for joint health in Britain. It is crucial in the manufacture of new cartilage (the material between bone ends that allows our joints to move smoothly). In many joint complaints cartilage becomes thin and damaged, but it is thought this supplement may help to rebuild some of this lost or damaged cartilage. One clinical study of 212 patients with osteoarthritis of the knee (ref 1) found significant improvement in pain and mobility in patients who took one 1500mg supplement of Glucosamine Sulphate once a day. Other clinical studies (ref 2) show that taking 1500mg of this Glucosamine daily can improve joint symptoms linked to sports injuries and arthritis by at least 40% and up to 70%. CHONDROITIN This nutrient, also naturally found in the body, is thought to help joint problems in a number of ways. Chondroitin encourages the production of cartilage and inhibits the enzymes that break down cartilage. It also plays a role in raising levels of a sticky gel in the body called hyaluronan that plays a role in binding joint tissues firmly together, making them structurally stronger and more resistant to damage. Chondroitin also has the ability to attract water to joints, which in turn helps to act as a shock absorber and so protects joints from further damage. A number of studies (ref 3) have now shown that Chondroitin can improve joint repair, help prevent the erosion of joint space and ease pain. MSM (Methylsulphonylmethane) Like Glucosamine Sulphate and Chondrotin, MSM is one of the building blocks of glycosaminoglycans, the key ingredient in cartilage. MSM also provides sulphur, which is vital for joint health because it too is one of the key ingredients in cartilage. Ongoing clinical research is showing the importance of sulphur in our bodies. Glucosamine, Chondrotin and MSM can be taken separately or together as one supplement.ROSEHIP Several studies now link this red berry with pain relief for rheumatoid and osteoarthritis. Scientists found that after taking capsules of rosehip powder for six months patients with rheumatoid arthritis who had previously been treated with standard drugs showed a ‘significant improvement’ in their condition with less pain and better quality of life. (ref 4) Another study also found that rosehips helped reduce pain in osteoarthritis patients. After just three weeks patients found an 82 per cent drop in pain (ref 5). One of the key causes of pain in rheumatic diseases is inflammation. Rosehips contain several chemicals recognised by scientists for their anti-inflammatory properties. TURMERIC A number of studies have found that turmeric, a spice often used in curries as a colouring agent, also appears to have a powerful ability to reduce inflammation in the body. This anti-inflammatory action is thought to be due to an active ingredient in the spice called curcumin. Turmeric is also a powerful antioxidant so helps protect the body’s cells against damage from harmful free radicals. No toxic side-effects have been associated with the spice (ref 6).FISH OILS (Omega 3) More than 3,000 scientific studies now show that Omega 3 fish oils have an anti-inflammatory effect on the body. This is particularly important in relation to joint health in which inflammation plays a key role and is known to be one of the main causes of pain. FREE NUTRITION ADVICE Call the Just Vitamins FREE Nutrition Advice line on 024 7669 5115 if you would like further advice. Our advisors are available Monday - Thursday, 9am - 4pmOTHER supplements which may be of use for joint care, but have less clinical research behind them include:Vitamin C - This is an excellent antioxidant and potentially has the ability to stop free radicals from damaging joint tissue. It also has the ability to act as an anti-inflammatory. Vitamin E - This antioxidant also potentially has the ability to stop free radicals from damaging joint tissue. B-50 Complex - The B vitamins have been shown to be anti-inflammatory, therefore helpful with pain relief. Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic Acid) - This vitamin has been shown to be particularly good for pain relief. Vitamin B6 - This vitamin is known to have a calming effect on the body which can help to reduce inflammation in people with joint problems. Zinc - Almost half the population is deficient in this mineral which is thought to be important in bone health as it is a potent antioxidant.Cats Claw - This supplement, from the South American rainforest, contains several compounds which are thought to be anti-inflammatory.Devil’s Claw - Used for thousands of years in Africa for back pain, studies now suggest this supplement may be helpful in maintaining healthy joints, ligaments and tendons.Cod Liver Oil - Many studies now show that this oil can help maintain healthy joints. This is thought to be due to its high Omega 3 content, which is known to have an anti-inflammatory effect. Green-Lipped Mussel Extract - This extract has been used to relieve joint related disorders for decades. Clinical studies suggest that it does have an effect on osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.REFERENCES 1. 1. J-Y Reginster, R Deroisy, L C Rovati, R L Lee, E Lejeune, O Bruyere, G Giacovelli, Y Henrotin, J E Dacre, C Gossett,“Long-term Effects of Glucosamine Sulfate on Osteoarthritis Progression”, A Randomised, Placebo-controlled Clinical Study, Lancet, 357 (2001), pp. 251–256. 2. T E Towheed, T P Anastassiades, B Shea, J Houpt, V Welch and M C Hochberg, “Glucosamine Therapy for Treating Osteoarthritis (Cochrane Review)”, The Cochrane Library, Issue 1: Oxford (2001), update software. 3. Singh JA, Wilt TJ, Mcdonald R. Chondroitin for osteoarthritis. Cochrane database of systematic reviews. 2007 Issue 2. Protocol and Reichenbach S, Sterchi M, trelle S, Burgi E, Bergi U, Dieppe PA, Juni P. Meta analysis: Chondroitin for osteoarthritis of the knee or hip. Ann Intern Med. 2007 Apr 17; 146(8):580-90. 4. Can patients with rheumatoid arthritis benefit from the herbal remedy rose-hip? : A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial January-June 2007 by Rossnagel K , Roll S, Wagner A, Mune O, Erlendsson J, Kharazmi A, Sörensen H, Willich SN, Winther K 5. Scandanavian Journal of Rheumatology (August 2005) 6. The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine
