14 Vitamins and Minerals to Ease Joint Discomfort

In another recent blog post, we discussed the importance of diet and nutrition on joint health.  Here is a deeper dive into 14 ingredients that can be essential for your routine when managing joint care:

• Glucosamine Sulfate / HCL
• Chondroitin Sulfate
• MSM
• Omega 3 Fatty Acids
• Hyaluronic Acid
• Manganese Ascorbate
• Boswellia Serrata (Boswellin)
• Niacinamide
• Vitamin C
• Vitamin A
• Vitamin E
• Aloe Vera
• Bromelaine
• Yucca

Glucosamine
Glucosamine is a natural compound found in cartilage, the tough tissue that cushions joints.  Glucosamine supplements are sold as three types - glucosamine sulfate, glucosamine hydrochloride, and N-acetyl glucosamine.

Taking glucosamine might increase the cartilage and fluid around joints and/or help prevent their breakdown.  Some people use glucosamine sulfate supplements to treat painful joint conditions caused by the inflammation, breakdown and eventual loss of cartilage.

Chondroitin Sulfate
Some would say that this is the most beneficial ingredient behind glucosamine. Chondroitin Sulfate is also a component of cartilage. In molecular terms, it is a gigantic molecule, mainly composed of repeated chains of glucosamine. Because of this, it functions in a way that is similar to glucosamine by helping to ease joint discomfort and rebuild cartilage.

In terms of consideration for a daily routine supplement, seeing chondroitin on the list of ingredients will be advantageous to most. 

MSM
MSM (methylsulfonylmethane) is a chemical found naturally in plants and animals. It is also the fourth most abundant mineral in the body.  This organic compound is made synthetically and often combined with glucosamine hydrochloride and chondroitin sulfate.

MSM is a potent anti-inflammatory commonly used to treat osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, tendonitis, and tenosynovitis.  Some people use MSM to treat gastrointestinal disorders like constipation, hemorrhoids, and diverticulosis.  It also supports the immune system and the body’s ability to repair connective tissue. 

A small number of foods do contain MSM, but only in very small amounts. Taking MSM in supplement form is a much easier way to increase your intake than looking to find it in foods. (source)

Omega 3 Fatty Acids
The benefits of Omega 3 Fatty Acids are like adding maximum performance for your body, including arthritis pain. They help reduce overall inflammation and risk for coronary heart disease, as well as increase blood flow.

Additionally, Omega 3 Fatty Acids are key to growth and development.  If you are not getting enough of this component in your diet with regular food, your body will thank you for nailing it down in a reputable supplement.

Hyaluronic Acid
Hyaluronic Acid s a substance that’s naturally found in your body, including the eyes, skin, and joints. It holds onto moisture and keeps tissues and joints lubricated.  It can be found in supplement form and reaps many benefits.

Hyaluronic acid may help with osteoarthritis, which results from a loss of cartilage, the spongy material that cushions your joints. Your doctor might suggest hyaluronic acid injections, or gel injections, to ease joint pain.

Manganese Ascorbate
Manganese is a mineral essential to the formation of connective tissue (such as cartilage). Manganese is extremely helpful for sufferers of arthritis and also aids in keeping bones strong and preventing Osteoporosis.

Boswellia Serrata (Boswellin)
Boswellia is probably best for Rheumatoid Arthritis, but due to its anti-inflammatory properties, it is also effective for other forms of arthritis.

Boswellia inhibits pro-inflammatory mediators in the body, such as leukotrienes. Long-term use of Boswellia, as opposed to NSAIDs, does not appear to cause irritation or ulceration of the stomach.

Niacinamide
Vitamin B3, micronutrient that your body uses for proper metabolism, nervous system function and antioxidant protection.

Niacinamide is one form of Vitamin B3 that plays an important role in energy metabolism and cell health. It may offer benefits related to skin care and skin cancer, as well as chronic kidney disease and diabetes.

Vitamin C
Vitamin C is a water-soluble vitamin needed for the repair and growth of tissues in all parts of the body. It is essential for the repair and maintenance of cartilage and bones as well as healing of wounds.

Vitamin C is essential to form collagen, an important protein used to make tendons, cartilage, ligaments, skin, blood vessels, and scar tissue. It also acts as an antioxidant to offset the damage of free radicals.

Because your body doesn't produce Vitamin C, you need to get it from your diet or another supplement form. It is found in citrus fruits, berries, potatoes, tomatoes, peppers, cabbage, Brussels sprouts, broccoli and spinach.

Vitamin A
Vitamin A plays an important role in bone formation and aid in relieving OA symptoms. It supports and maintains optimum eye health, immune system health, and reproductive health.

Vitamin E
Vitamin E is a fat-soluble vitamin with several forms, but alpha-tocopherol is the only one used by the human body. Its main role is to act as an antioxidant, scavenging loose electrons—called “free radicals”—that can damage cells. It also enhances immune function and prevents clots from forming in heart arteries.

Aloe Vera
Aloe Vera is one of the only known natural vegetarian sources of Vitamin B12, and it contains many minerals vital to the healthy function and growth process of all the body’s systems.  It has been used since early recorded history for its first-aid like properties. 

Bromelain
Bromelain is promoted as a dietary supplement for reducing pain and swelling, especially of the nose and sinuses, gums, and other body parts after surgery or injury. It is also promoted for osteoarthritis, cancer, digestive problems, and muscle soreness. Topical bromelain is promoted for burns.

Bromelain is a group of enzymes found in the fruit and stem of the pineapple plant. Pineapple is native to the Americas but is now grown throughout the world in tropical and subtropical regions. Historically, natives of Central and South America used pineapple for a variety of ailments, such as digestive disorders. (source)

Yucca
Yucca has many super powers.  Amongst them, according to folk medicine, yucca extracts have anti-arthritic and anti-inflammatory effects. The plant contains several physiologically active phytochemicals. It is a rich source of steroidal saponins, and is used commercially as a saponin source. (source)

As part of your fight against current or future joint health problems, finding a nutritional supplement that contains as many of these ingredients as possible could help improve your pain, motion, and have a giant impact on your daily life.

We always recommend reviewing with your physician or other trusted health care professional.  This information is not intended to treat or cure disease.