Supplements are an increasingly popular approach for the treatment of chronic health conditions, including many of those that cause joint pain. These include rheumatoid arthritis and lupus. Both vitamin A and omega-3 fatty acids show promise when it comes to treating joint pain, though research is not extensive enough to make definitive conclusions.
Vitamin A
Vitamin A comes in the form of both beta-carotene and retinol, and is naturally found in many foods, including leafy greens, carrots, liver and fortified milk. It can also be taken in supplement form either alone or in a multivitamin. It has the potential to boost the immune system, making it a possible treatment option for people whose joint pain comes from autoimmune disorders. According to Arthritis Today, vitamin A's effects on rheumatoid arthritis are currently being researched.
Omega-3
Omega-3s are essential fatty acids that are thought to play a role in reducing inflammation in the body, which is a common cause of joint pain, says MedlinePlus. Like vitamin A, omega-3 fatty acids come from many dietary sources including fish, walnuts and soybeans. Omega-3s can also be taken in supplement form, one of the most recognizable of which is fish oil caplets.
The Research
Research for both vitamin A and omega-3s and their role in reducing joint pain is preliminary; however, both show promise. One form of vitamin A called all-trans-retinoic acid may help control rheumatoid arthritis symptoms, according to Arthritis Today. Research is ongoing, however; research on omega-3s is only slightly more thorough. MayoClinic.com reports that while this research as been largely positive, the studies have also been flawed, which limits their applicability to the general joint pain population.
Guidelines
When it comes to the diet, it is safe to simply increase your intake of the foods rich in omega-3s and vitamin A, which may improve your joint pain. If you wish to take a supplement, however, be sure to first discuss this with your doctor. Arthritis Today recommends 2,333 IU of vitamin A for the average woman and 3,000 per day for the average man; however, they caution against taking more than 5,000 IU per day as it may increase your risk for fractures. Taking fish oil supplements containing 3.8 g of the essential fatty acid eicosapentaenoic acid, or EPA, and 2 g of docosahexaenoic acid, or DHA, another fatty acid, on a daily basis may improve arthritis symptoms, per the University of Maryland Medical Center. For more specific guidelines, talk to your doctor.
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