Healthy Joints After Age 50

Men are more likely to suffer from osteoarthritis than are women up to the age of 45, perhaps because men tend to engage in more strenuous physical activities. From age 45 to 55, however, men and women begin to suffer equally, while women are more likely to be victims after the age of 55. Not only is osteoarthritis more frequent in women age 55 or older, it is also more severe. Millions of women of all ages have osteoarthritis and are affected twice as often as men.

Nutritional Supplementation Can Support Joint Comfort

Instead of simply dulling the pain with drugs or performing expensive and potentially dangerous surgery, many doctors in Europe and Asia (as well as a small but rapidly-growing group in the United States) are actually increasing joint comfort through nutrition.

Since they are substances we already consume and produce in very small quantities in our bodies, glucosamine and chondroitin have no significant side effects. This fact stands in stark contrast to painkillers such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatories and cortisone injections.

Glucosamine and Chondroitin

In joints, the ground substance is known as synovial fluid. It is the substance that gives connective tissue and joints resilience after compression and also reduces friction between bones, tendon, and cartilage. Supplementation with glucosamine and chondroitin have been demonstrated to support maintenance of healthy synovial fluid levels, which support joint comfort directly. 

Glucosamine and chondroitin essentially "jump-start" the production of  key elements of the cartilage matrix, and then protect them. They can actually help your body repair damaged or eroded cartilage. In other words, glucosamine and chondroitin strengthen your body's natural repair mechanisms. They can replace what your body fails to make.

MSM

MSM or Methylsulfonylmethane is a naturally-occurring compound found in green plants and animal products. Preliminary research suggests MSM may inhibit degenerative changes in joints, while MSM is typically used as an anti-inflammatory to support joint comfort.  There is some evidence that MSM also supports relief from seasonal allergies, but more research is need on this topic.  . 

Collagen

Collagen is an important natural component of our skin's structure. It is also present in our joints, bones and ligaments. In young skin, collagen is abundant and imparts plumpness to the face and other areas of the body, such as our hands. As we age, the amount and quality of collagen in our body decreases, and as a result, wrinkles and creases begin to appear.

There is preliminary research that collagen supplements might inhibit bone collagen breakdown in people. Collagen supplements may also cause increased production of collagen by chondrocytes. Chondrocytes are the cells responsible for maintenance of the connective tissue in the joints.

Joint Complex for Pets (Large Dogs Especially)

Joint Complex offers the compounds many vets recommend for pets, particularly large dogs, suffering from creaky joints.  Many members give their pets Joint Complex, tucked into a spoonful of peanut butter (or other tasty carrier).

References:

The Arthritis Cure : The Medical Miracle That Can Halt, Reverse, and May Even Cure Osteoarthritis - Jason Theodosakis, M.D.. Mass Market Paperback

Gregory PJ. Does glucosamine increase serum lipid levels and blood pressure? Pharmacist's Letter 2001;17:171115.

Morrison LM, Enrick N. Coronary heart disease: reduction of death rate by chondroitin sulfate A. Angiology 1973;24:269-87.

Moskowitz RW. Role of collagen hydrolysate in bone and joint disease. Semin Arthritis Rheum 2000;30:87-99.

Pavelka K, Gatterova J, Olejarova M, et al. Glucosamine sulfate use and delay of progression of knee osteoarthritis: A 3-year, randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind study. Arch Intern Med 2002;162:2113-23.

Pipitone VR. Chondroprotection with chondroitin sulfate. Drugs Exp Clin Res 1991;17:3-7 .

Reginster JY, Deroisy R, Rovati LC, et al. Long-term effects of glucosamine sulfate on osteoarthritis progression: a randomized, placebo-controlled trial. Lancet 2001;357:251-6.

Scroggie DA, Albright A, Harris MD. The effect of glucosamine-chondroitin supplementation on glycosylated hemoglobin levels in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: a placebo-controlled, double-blinded, randomized clinical trial. Arch Intern Med 2003;163:1587-90.

Yu JG, Boies SM, Olefsky JM. The effect of oral glucosamine sulfate on insulin sensitivity in human subjects. Diabetes Care 2003;30:523-8. 

 

Notes:

• While glucosamine sulfate is often theorized to interfere with metabolism with type 2 diabetes, studies over three years using glucosamine hydrochloride (the form used in Joint Complex) did not show adverse effects on lipid or glucose metabolism.  
• High-dose glucosamine (3000 mg per day), combined with high-dose chondroitin sulfate (2400 mg per day), may enhance the effects of warfarin (Coumadin -- an anticoagulent-antiplatelet drug).