About Arthritis

Arthritis is the general term given to more than 100 conditions affecting the joints which cause pain or stiffness in one or more joints of the body. Arthritis affects around one in five Australians and about one third of people over 65.

The most common forms of arthritis are:

• Osteoarthritis – Generally caused by brittle cartilage
• Rheumatoid Arthritis – Thought to be caused by the immune system attacking the joints
• Gout – Created by the build-up of Uric Acid
• Ankylosing Spondylitis – Chronic pain and stiffness in the lower part of the spine

Management of Arthritis

The methods for treatment of arthritis vary with the type of arthritis, its severity and the affected areas. Methods for the management of Arthritis may include:

• Exercise Physiology
• Physiotherapy
• Occupational Therapy
• Chiropractics
• Acupuncture
• Osteopathy
• Naturopathy
• Exercise
• Medication

Vitamins for Arthritis

Vitamins with substantial evidence of benefit for Arthritis treatment include:

• Glucosamine
• Chondroitin
• Omega-3 Fish Oil

Vitamins with some evidence of benefit for Arthritis treatment include:

• MSM
• Turmeric
• Ginger
• Vitamin D
• Rosehip extract

Here's a brief summary about these vitamins:

Glucosamine:

Glucosamine is a sugar that is naturally produced by the body that helps to repair and renew the cartilage tissue that covers and protects the ends of the bones, allowing them to move smoothly against each other. The benefits of Glucosamine for Arthritis sufferers are so widely documented that the nutrient is now being actively prescribed by many doctors.

Glucosamine comes in two forms – Glucosamine Sulfate and Glucosamine Hydrochloride. Glucosamine Sulfate is widely accepted to be preferred over the Hydrochloride form. Both forms of Glucosamine are made from crab, lobster or shrimp shells.

The recommended daily dosage of Glucosamine is 1500mg per day and it takes around 4-6 weeks to see noticeable affects.

People with shellfish allergies, on blood thinning medication, with diabetes or pregnant or breastfeeding women should be wary of glucosamine supplementation.

Chondroitin:

Chondroitin is a natural substance that is believed to help draw water and nutrients into the cartilage, making it spongier and improving its shock-absorption qualities. Chondroitin Sulfate vitamins are made from cow or shark cartilage.

The recommended daily dosage of Chondtroitin is 800-1000mg per day and it takes around 4-6 weeks for users to notice the effect.

Chondroitin has been found to cause upset stomachs in a few cases and people on blood thinning medication should be wary.

The combination of Glucosamine and Chondroitin:

Glucosamine and Chondroitin are often used in combination and recent trials have seen better effects for Arthritis sufferers using both nutrients at their recommended daily amounts used in tandem than on their own.

Omega-3 Fish Oil:

Omega- 3s are found in fish and cod liver oils and have been found to relieve joint pain and improve joint mobility. Omega 3 fish oil contains two active ingredients: EPA (Eicosapentaenoic Acid) and DHA (Docosahexaenoic Acid).

Fish Oil is notorious for the fishy reflux which is often associated with supplementation. Some manufacturers add polysorbate 80 to stop this reflux action. Polysorbate 80 is an artificial surfactant present in detergents to dissolve fats and is used as an emulsifier in shampoo and conditioner. There are other more 'natural' ways to reduce the fishy taste including 'masking' it with natural flavours.

Another factor to consider when purchasing fish oil includes the type of fish used. If larger fish are used, there is a risk of increased levels of heavy metals due to their longer reproductive cycle and biological accumulation. You should consider smaller non-endangered fish varieties, sourced from non-polluted 'free range' waters.

The recommended daily dosage is 450mg of Omega-3 fish oil per day.

MSM (Methylsulfonylmethane):

MSM is a natural source of sulfur. Some researchers have suggested that MSM has anti-inflammatory affects and is sometimes used in combination with Glucosamine and Chondtroitin to treat the symptoms of Osteoarthritis.

The recommended daily dosage of MSM is 1500mg.

Curcumin (Turmeric):

Curcumin (an active ingredient in Turmeric) has been scientifically proven to have significant anti-inflammatory action with very few side-effects, however it must be ingested in large amounts to be of benefit.

The recommended daily dosage of Curcumin is 500mg per day for a minimum of 12 weeks. This is equivalent to 6g of the turmeric herb.

Ginger:

One study has shown that concentrated ginger extract may be of benefit to arthritis sufferers for reducing knee pain.

Vitamin D:

It is vital for the body to have sufficient levels of Vitamin D to allow for calcium absorption. Insufficient levels of Vitamin D may indirectly lead to low bone density and increased risk of Osteoarthritis.

Vitamin D is produced by the body when skin sees direct sunlight. It's important for the body to see 10 minutes of direct sunlight per day.

Rosehip Extract:

The use of Rosehip Extract has been said to promote an improvement in the reduction of pain and stiffness in arthritis sufferers.

Where to get help for Arthritis

Arthritis Australia: 1800 011 041

Disclaimer

Healthy Comparisons does not give or purport to give any medical or healthcare advice and is not qualified to do so. You should not under any circumstances substitute qualified medical advice with information found in this fact sheet. The information contained in this fact sheet does not take into account the physical state, medical status or health requirements of any particular individual which are relevant to the proper diagnosis and treatment of any problem, condition or disorder. You should never use or act upon this information without first properly consulting, and seeking proper information and advice from, a qualified healthcare professional. Healthy Comparisons, its related companies and its licensors expressly disclaim all responsibility for and liability in respect of the accuracy of the information provided in the website, its improper application and the consequences of anyone's failure to obtain a proper medical examination and advice from a qualified healthcare professional in the relevant circumstances.

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