Nutritional Supplements for Osteoarthritis

Glucosamine Sulfate and Osteoarthritis

Glucosamine sulfate is a major constituent of cartilage and is the most effective natural remedy for osteoarthritis with its use supported by considerable scientific research.

A dose of 1000mg per day preserves the structural integrity of joints and 1500-2000 mg per day reduces the pain and symptoms of osteoarthritis and repairs damage in the joints.

It may take between 1-8 weeks for benefits to be experienced and results persist for up to 12 weeks after discontinuation of treatment.

Glucosamine sulfate may need to be continued at a low dose or intermittently for maintenance treatment.

Niacinamide and Osteoarthritis

Niacinamide has been found to improve joint function and range of movement in osteoarthritis with results noticeable after 1-3 months of treatment and peak benefits after 1-3 years of use.

High doses have been used (up to 4000 mg per day in divided doses) however at this dose it is necessary to regularly monitor liver enzymes as it may possibly cause liver damage.

SAMe and Osteoarthritis

SAMe is involved in the manufacture of cartilage components and supplements have been found to increase cartilage formation and exert a mild pain relieveing and anti-inflammatory action.

Dosage: 400mg, three times a day

Antioxidants and Osteoarthritis

A high intake of antioxidants may help to protect cartilage and inhibit progression of osteoarthirits.

Those with a higher than average intake of vitamin C have a three times reduced risk of developing osteoarthirits.

Vitamin E appears to work synergistically with vitamin C in protection of cartilage. Other antioxidants may confer similar benefits.

Dosage:

Vitamin C: 1000-3000 mg per day

Vitamin E: 400-800 iu per day

Pantothenic acid and Osteoarthritis

Doses of 12.5 mg per day have been found to provide relief from symptoms of osteoarthritis.

Vitamin A, Vitamin B6, Copper, Zinc and Boron and Osteoarthritis

These vitamins and minerals are also necessary for the manufactuyre and maintenance of cartilage. Boron supplementation has been found to alleviate the symptoms of osteoarthirits in up to 90% of individuals.

Dosage:

Vitamin A:  5000 iu per day

Vitamin B6: 50 mg per day

Zinc: 30-45 mg per day

Copper: 1-2 mg per day

Boron: 6 mg per day

DL-Phenylanaline and Osteoarthritis

DL-Phenylanaline increases endorphins in the brain and can be used to symptomatically provide pain relief in osteoarthritis.

Dosage: 500-750 mg, three times a day before meals.

Vitamin D and Osteoarthritis

Regular exposure to sunlight promotes vitamin D synthesis which is essential for bone health.

How effective are dietary therapy and nutritional supplements for osteoarthritis?

Osteoarthritis is a condition that may take many years to develop thus treatment will need to be applied consistently in order to obtain desirable results.

There is evidence to suggest that non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs may worsen the progression of the condition thus their use must be considered very carefully.

Some improvement may be noticed with one or two months after initiating dietary changes and nutritional supplementation however a complete recovery may take up to several years. The possibility of a successful outcome is enhanced when the predisposing factors such as obesity or hormonal disruptions are adequately addressed.

Copyright © Mizpah Matus 2003

See Also: Osteoarthitis Diet