A whopping 54.4 million people suffer from the pain and debilitation of arthritis, but experts say certain supplements can help.
According to Dr. Tod Cooperman, founder of ConsmerLab.com, “there are a number of supplements that reduce pain or improve other symptoms of osteoarthritis, which is the wearing away of cartilage in joints, or rheumatoid arthritis, which is an autoimmune disease that causes joint pain, stiffness and inflammation.”
More than 54 million American adults suffer from some form of arthritis, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which predicts that by 2040, 78 million adults will be diagnosed with arthritis.
Here are his Cooperman’s picks of supplements that can help:
For osteoarthritis:
- SAMe has been shown to be effective as a treatment for osteoarthritis and associated pain, stiffness and inflammation.
- Ginger may reduce pain and disability. In a recent study, 63% pf sufferers experienced improvements in knee pain after only six weeks. You can consume ginger in fresh, powdered or dried form or use the extract itself.
- Collagen hydrolysate may reduce pain associated with osteoarthritis. A branded form called UC-11 has been found to improve knee stiffness and pain.
- Boswellia has been associated with significant pain reduction and improved physical function
- Ashwagandha extract can also effectively reduce pain, stiffness and disability in people with knee osteoarthritis.
- Hyaluronic may be beneficial for some, but the evidence is limited.
- High fiber intake from diet is related to a lower risk of symptoms from knee osteoarthritis. In fact, the risk of symptoms was up to 61% lower among people who consumed about 22 to 27 grams of fiber daily compared to those consuming 9-14 grams.
For rheumatoid arthritis:
- Omega-3 fatty acids that included both EPA and DHA from fish oil may help reduce the risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis, or treat symptoms, in the early stages of the disease.
- A brand of liquid collagen called Vital 3 may also help improve symptoms modestly, says Cooperman.
- Cinnamon may help reduce pain and the number of swollen and tender joints in sufferers who are taking disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs.
Cooperman adds that low levels of vitamin D in women has been associated with a higher risk of developing RA as well as low levels of the mineral selenium. It’s not clear whether adding these supplements can help once the disease has progressed, he says.
Some supplements have been proven to be helpful both types of arthritis including curcumin, cat’s claw and rosehips, which is a rich source of vitamin C and bioflavonoids.
Join ConsumerLab.com for more information on the best supplements for joint health.