Alternative
treatment is focused on providing
the correct nutrients for the
tissue. The therapeutic goal is to
enhance the repair of collagen and
surrounding tissues, while
decreasing inflammation and
limiting further damage.
Glucosamine
sulfate
Glucosamine is
responsible for the gel like
nature of the cartilage. It
stimulates the production of cellular
components that allow the
cartilage to hold more water.
By yielding a greater water
capacity, the cartilage
maintains its healthy
texture. This healthy, gel like
texture allows the cartilage to
absorb shock from the everyday
physical activities that is the cause of
osteoarthritis. The levels of
glucosamine synthesized by the
body begin to decline with age,
which may point to the cause of
Osteoarthritis being a disease of
aging. Some 90-98% of ingested glucosamine is
thought to be absorbed.[8]
In one study
supplementation with glucosamine
sulfate retarded the progression
of knee osteoarthritis in
participants. Participants did not
see any radiological evidence of
joint space narrowing after taking
the supplement.[9] In another study, participants
taking glucosamine had improvement
of pain and stiffness symptoms.
There was also no decrease in
joint space after taking the
supplement. The study concluded
that glucosamine was an effective
long-term treatment for
Osteoarthritis.[10]
Chondroitin
sulfate
Chondroitin sulfate
is similar to glucosamine, except
its molecules are much larger than
glucosamine. This size difference
is particularly relevant in the
absorption of chondroitin
sulfate-0-13%. Glucosamine is
a precursor to chondroitin in the
body. Studies have shown that
supplementation with chondroitin
sulfate reduces pain and improves
joint function in patients with
Osteoarthritis.[11]
Because chondroitin
sulfate absorption is only about
8-13%, glucosamine is the
preferred choice for the dietary
supplementation routines of
persons suffering from this
condition.[12]
Niacinamide
(Vitamin B3)
Niacinamide is an
effective treatment for
osteoarthritis. It can improve
joint function, range of motion, and muscle strength.
Clinical study has shown that its supplementation resulted in a 29%
increase in the Global arthritis
impact scale, compared to a 10%
worsening with placebo. Although iIt did not
improve pain, it did allow for a
reduction in the dosage of NSAIDs.[13]
It is important to note that
elevated doses of niacinamide can be
toxic to the liver and may cause
adverse side effects. Vitamin B3
therapy
should be done under the supervision of
a physician.
SAM-e (S-adenosylmethionine)
SAM-e is formed
from the amino acid methionine and
ATP (energy). This nutrient
is necessary
for the proper formation of
various cartilage
components. SAM-e may also
possess protective
properties for cartilage-containing
compounds. SAM-e is often deficient in
patients with Osteoarthritis.
SAM-e also has mild analgesic and
anti-inflammatory properties that
make it a great treatment for
Osteoarthritis. In a study that
compared SAM-e to Celebrex, a
popularly prescribed NSAID,
supplementation resulted in both
decreased pain and improvement of
overall symptoms. Alhough its
onset of action was slower, SAM-et was
also found to be as
effective as Celebrex. [14]
Other studies have discovered that
supplementation of SAM-e was often
paralleled to a reduction in pain.
It was also credited with creating
a marked improvement in joint function and
a decrease in joint limitation. SAM-e
has not been proven to have any
side effects.[15]
Vitamin E
Vitamin E is a
potent anti-oxidant and effective
anti-inflammatory. It is an
vital component in the integrity
of cellular membranes. Study has
shown Vitamin E to improve symptoms in
Osteoarthritis sufferers.
This fat-soluble vitamin stimulates healthy cartilage
production.[16]
In one particular study, supplementation with
Vitamin E resulted in a 52%
reduction in pain. This was compared to only
a 10% reduction with patients
receiving placebo.[17]
Another study found Vitamin E
actually increased joint mobility,
reduced swelling around the joint, and increased
the walking time of participants.[18]
Vitamin C
Vitamin C supports
connective tissue metabolism. It
is important in the protection of
bodily cartilage and aids its repair.
Vitamin C also helps to incorporate
the many cellular components that help
cartilage hold water. Vitamin C is
considered a potent anti-oxidant.[19]
It has also been shown to
reduce risk of cartilage loss and
disease progression in individuals
with Osteoarthritis of the knee.[20]
Boron
Boron is considered
an essential nutrient for healthy
cartilage. It is required for the
synthesis of collagen, and
for maintenance of the cartilage
structure as a whole. Some individuals may be
deficient in boron due to specific
environmental factors, such as low
levels in the soil.
In study, the supplementation with boron
showed a 50% improvement in
symptoms for individuals with
Osteoarthritis, compared to only a
10% improvement in those receiving
placebo.[21] It is especially helpful
for those osteoarthritis sufferers
whose diets are low in boron.
Harpagophytum
procumbens (Devil's Claw)
Devil's Claw has
anti-inflammatory and analgesic
effects. The
most potent preparation of Devil's
claw is often in an extract form.
Its supplementation was
found to be as effective as refecoxib, a prescription NSAID. It was
also useful for treatment
of Osteoarthritis of the
hip, knee, and spine.[22]
Other studies have found it to decrease pain, crepitus, and stiffness of
Osteoarthritis in the knee and
hip. Devil's Claw may also
increase mobility in specific joint
cavaties.[23]
Boswellia
serrata
Boswellia is
anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and
anti-arthritic agent. It is very useful
for treatment of osteoarthritis.
Not only does boswellia improve
the blood supply to joints, it has
also been shown to prevent the age
related decline in cartilage
production. An extract standardized to boswellic acid is most
efficacious. Various studies
have shown that
supplementation of boswellia
serrata decreased pain,
increased flexion, and improved
one's walking
ability. It also decreased
swelling around the affected
joint.[24]
|
Learn More About
Osteoarthritis |
