Effective Dietary Supplements For Arthritis Sufferers

Arthritis is a common joint condition that can significantly affect your enjoyment of life. Arthritis sufferers often complain of joint pain, reduced joint mobility and an inability to perform recreational activities and home- or work-based activities. Arthritis, reports the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, is one of the leading causes of lost work and disability. Some arthritis symptoms, including pain, may be lessened with the use of certain dietary supplements.

Arthritis

The National Institute on Aging reports that arthritis can attack almost any joint in your body. There are many different types of arthritis, ranging from rheumatoid arthritis, to osteoarthritis, to gout. Each type of arthritis has its own unique set of symptoms and treatments, although some treatments may help more than one type of arthritis. Most types of arthritis do not go away over time and are therefore considered chronic. Warning signs for arthritis include joint pain, swelling and stiffness.

Effective Dietary Supplements

Two of the most common types of arthritis are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Naturopathic physician and licensed acupuncturist Dr. Russell B. Marz, author of the textbook "Medical Nutrition From Marz," states that the most effective dietary supplements for osteoarthritis include niacinamide, vitamin B6, vitamin E, selenium, cod liver oil, glycosaminoglycans, vitamin C, pantothenic acid, boron, yucca extract, glucosamine sulfate, and S-adenosyl-L-methionine. Effective dietary supplements for rheumatoid arthritis include omega-3 fatty acids, zinc, vitamin E, borage oil, copper salicylate, bromelain, curcumin, sea cucumber, pantothenic acid and quercetin.

Chondroitin Sulfate

Chondroitin sulfate is one of the most effective dietary supplements for arthritis sufferers. In her book "Prescription for Nutritional Healing," nutrition researcher Phyllis Balch states that chondroitin sulfate is an important substance in the production of cartilage -- the tough yet flexible material found in your joints that serves as a cushion. Chondroitin sulfate may help prevent the cartilage destruction that occurs with certain types of arthritis, especially osteoarthritis. Supplemental chondroitin sulfate is usually derived from powdered shark cartilage or cow trachea cartilage, notes Balch.

MSM

Methylsulfonylmethane, also known as MSM, is a sulfur compound that is is found in plant and animal tissues and is important for optimal health. According to Balch, MSM has been used to help treat many ailments, including arthritis, heartburn, lung problems, migraines, muscle pain, allergies and inflammation. A 2006 study by L.S. Kim and colleagues published in the journal "Osteoarthritis and Cartilage" states that 3 g of MSM taken twice a day was helpful in treating osteoarthritis-related pain and dysfunction among study participants.