According to the Centers for Disease Control, each year more than 50 million people are diagnosed with an inflammatory condition such as osteoarthritis, lupus, gout or rheumatoid arthritis. Although there are a number of prescription and over-the-counter medications to treat these disorders, some may wish to try an anti-inflammatory supplement such as a combination product known as Kaprex AI. As dietary supplements are not closely regulated by the Food and Drug Administration, talk to a health-care professional before beginning a regimen to treat an inflammatory condition
Kaprex Claims
The main ingredients of Kaprex AI are Vitamin D, zinc, selenium and an extract of hops, a plant. The manufacturer of Kaprex, Metagenics, claims to have developed a product that reduces inflammatory processes within the body by targeting white blood cell activity, which is responsible in part for inflammation. It also claims to control eicosanoid and cytokine activity. Eicosanoids include the prostaglandins, which are thought to cause inflammation. Reducing prostaglandin formation is the mechanism of action of many medications for arthritis such as aspirin and ibuprofen. Cytokines are substances that carry messages to cells to increase inflammatory processes. It is important to note that supplements are considered nutritional products by the FDA, and unlike medications, supplements are not evaluated for claims of effectiveness.
Hops
Kaprex AI, claims to have developed a extract from the hops plant known as Luduxin which has iso-alpha acids and magnesium salt. Metagenics has applied for a patent for this extract but has not received it yet. No clinical studies are claimed to support the use of Luduxin and though hops, taken as an herbal supplement may have some health benefits, they do not generally include arthritis or other inflammatory conditions. According to the book "Prescription for Herbal Healing," hops are usually given by natural health practitioners as a treatment for anxiety and digestive disorders.
Vitamin D
Vitamin D is necessary for growth and is especially important for the development and maintenance of bones and teeth. It is also thought to be of some use in the treatment and prevention of osteoarthritis and may protect against certain types of cancers and thyroid disorder. The recommended daily allowance for vitamin D is 400 IU for most adults. Some natural health practitioners believe that taking more than this amount may help reduce the chance of fracture in the elderly. However, according to "The Prescription for Nutritional Healing," an upper limit has not been established, and as vitamin D is fat soluble, remaining in the body for long periods of time, the book does not recommend exceeding the recommended daily amount. Kaprex AI contains 500 IU of vitamin D and is meant to be taken three times daily.
Zinc
Zinc is an often overlooked mineral, most often associated with its ability to reduce cold symptoms. It is important in the regulation of the sexual glands and also in the formation of cartilage through protein and collagen formation. Its immune and joint activity may make it useful in the treatment of inflammatory conditions such as arthritis, but no studies have been conducted to support its use. The recommended amount of zinc to be taken daily is 12 to 15 mg. Kaprex AI contains 5 mg.
Selenium
Selenium is a trace mineral that protects the immune system and works with vitamin E as an antioxidant. Antioxidant activity may prevent the progression of inflammatory disease. Zinc may also promote tissue elasticity, which may improve joint function. There is some evidence, according to the Office of Dietary Supplements, that some individuals with arthritis may have lower than normal levels of selenium. The recommended daily intake of selenium for adults is 55 mcg. Each dose of Kaprex AI contains 50 mcg.
References
- Centers for Disease Control: Arthritis Statistics
- Metagenics: Kaprex AI
- "The Prescription for Nutritional Healing"; Phyllis A Balch, CNC, 2005
- "The Prescription for Herbal Healing"; Phyllis A Balch, CNC, 2002
- Office of Dietary Supplements: Selenium
