Supplements To Consider For Arthritis
Arthritis pain is one of the most common reasons people limit physical activity and is a leading cause of work disability with 24% of adults in the United States, or 58.5 million people, suffering with arthritis. Arthritis can be described as the swelling and tenderness of one or more joints, ranging from mild to severe, and the main symptoms can include:
- Swelling
- Pain
- Stiffness
- Decreased range of motion
The two most common forms of arthritis are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Osteoarthritis is considered non-inflammatory and causes cartilage to break down over time while rheumatoid arthritis is a form of autoimmune inflammation where the immune system attacks the joints and joint linings.
Most often detected through an X-ray, arthritis can lead to permanent joint damage, which can manifest itself in visible changes to your body, such as knob-like finger joints. Some types of arthritis can also affect other organs, including the heart, eyes, lungs and kidneys. Yet, despite the length of time you have battled the debilitating effects of arthritis, balancing your intake of vitamin sources through diet and supplementation can help manage symptoms.
Joint Health Supplement
Custom Formulated Nutritional Supplement with Glucosamine Sulfate and Chondroitin. Limit one due to short date. Enjoy, with our compliments. A new batch is expected early December.
$0 Add to cartGlucosamine and Chondroitin for Joint Pain Relief†
Glucosamine and chondroitin are natural compounds found in cartilage throughout the body and are often used to treat inflammation. Your body naturally produces glucosamine and chondroitin to support healthy connective tissues and lubricate fluids throughout the body. However, aging and injury can result in a deficiency. Although studies have yielded mixed results, some found glucosamine and chondroitin provide pain relief and slow joint deterioration of those with arthritis or arthritic symptoms.
Cooper Complete Joint Health is formulated with a custom blend of glucosamine and chondroitin to help reduce pain associated with arthritis and slow the deterioration of cartilage.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids for Inflammation
Omega-3 fatty acids are most commonly known for their heart health benefits but this nutrient can also aid in reducing inflammation for those with arthritis. Something to note, omega-3 cannot be manufactured by the body, which is why the American Heart Association recommends consuming fatty fish—such as salmon, mackerel or tuna—a minimum of two servings per week.
Research has found omega-3 fatty acids may be beneficial in reducing inflammation throughout the body—especially for those with rheumatoid arthritis. Rheumatoid arthritis is mainly driven by inflammation and long-chain omega-3 fatty acids—eicosapentaenoic (EPA) and docosahexaenoic (DHA)—are associated with anti-inflammatory benefits.
Cooper Complete Advanced Omega-3 supplement contains 720 mg EPA and 480 mg DHA to help reduce inflammatory conditions associated with arthritis.
While glucosamine, chondroitin and omega-3 fatty acids are common dietary supplements suggested for those with joint pain or arthritis, research on less common supplements for arthritis have begun to emerge.
Turmeric Curcumin Supplement
Contains 1000 mg of turmeric extract, which is standardized to contain 95% curcuminoids, and 10 mg of black pepper in 3 vegetarian capsules. Physician formulated to support a healthy inflammatory response.
$35.98 Add to cartCurcuminoid for Joint Stiffness and Muscle Soreness†
When thinking of turmeric, you may think of the yellow-hued spice used in cooking. But turmeric—and its active compound curcumin—also acts as a powerful anti-inflammatory agent, blocking the protein complex NF-κB, which promotes inflammation. Studies show curcumin can be effective in treating osteoarthritis by controlling inflammation levels and reducing joint swelling and stiffness.
It is important to note, curcumin is hard for the body to absorb so it is best to take the supplement at mealtime with a source of fat. Additionally, black pepper aids in increasing curcumin’s bioavailability, promoting absorption so piperine—a black pepper extract—is often added to supplement formulas including Cooper Complete Turmeric Curcumin Complex.
Probiotics Reduce Gut Inflammation
Your gut consists of a whole biome of live microorganisms—or bacteria—that help you digest food and destroy disease-causing cells. But probiotics have other health benefits, too, and have even been found to help reduce inflammation in those with arthritis. Research shows those with arthritis often have experience inflammation in the intestinal tract which can cause intestinal permeability or leaky gut. Eating a healthy diet helps keep the intestinal barrier strong and the immune system working properly. Healthy foods and a probiotic supplement can work together to help reduce inflammation of the gut.
Consider a probiotic such as Cooper Complete Advanced Daily Probiotic which contains 16 strains and 40 billion CFU probiotics and prebiotics to support gut health.
Potassium for Pain Relief
Potassium is used throughout the body to aid in the proper function of the nervous system, skeletal system, heart and metabolism, as well as maintaining normal blood pressure. A study of 172 adult patients with rheumatoid arthritis was conducted in India. The patients in Arm A and Arm B were both instructed to consume a vegetarian diet which provided at least 3200 mg of elemental potassium. (The RDA in India is 3225 mg potassium for women and 3750 mg for men.) In addition, the subjects in Arm B also received a potassium food supplement that was expected to provide 1.7-2 grams of elemental potassium. Those who supplemented with potassium found consuming more than 5 grams (5000 mg) daily had a significant association with lower pain. Potassium can easily be obtained through the diet with coffee, tea, milk (both dairy and soymilk) and orange juice as well as food sources such as bananas, dried fruits (particularly apricots and prunes), potatoes, lentils and beans. If you struggle to consume potassium, proper supplementation can help. Cooper Complete Potassium Chelate contains 99 mg of potassium to help protect bone, brain, heart, kidney and muscular health, while Cooper Complete Original Multivitamins contain 400 mg of potassium.
Quercetin Complex Supplement
Quercefit® Quercetin Phytosome, the highly absorbable form of quercetin, the digestive enzyme bromelain, and vitamin C physician formulated to support inhibited histamine response, respiratory, and healthy immune function.†
$31.48 Add to cartQuercetin for Joint Stiffness and Pain
Quercetin is a plant compound, classified as a flavonoid, found in fruits, vegetables and herbs and is best absorbed when paired with dietary fat. Most nutritious diets provide up to 13 mg of quercetin daily which aids in immune support, exercise recovery and allergy support. New research shares quercetin may also help reduce pain in those with arthritis.
In a study of women with rheumatoid arthritis, the effects of quercetin supplementation on inflammation and disease severity were evaluated. Supplementation with quercetin for eight weeks significantly reduced early morning stiffness, morning pain and after-activity pain in individuals with rheumatoid arthritis. Quercefit® quercetin phytosome—the most readily absorbable form of quercetin and the form contained in Cooper Complete Quercetin Complex—is easy to absorb and may be a good option for those with pain associated with rheumatoid arthritis.
Increase Your Vitamin D and Magnesium Levels
Vitamin D deficiency can cause depression, low immunity and fatigue and can also lead to the softening of bones. Weak, soft bones increase the likelihood of developing arthritis so it is important to get adequate levels of vitamin D through diet, sunlight exposure and proper supplementation. Vitamin D helps:
- Maintain calcium levels in the bloodstream
- Regulate inflammation
- Balance phosphorus levels, which keep bones and teeth hard
The research on vitamin D and arthritis found the most benefit in improving joint pain in people who started supplementation with a low blood level of this vitamin.
120 mg Magnesium Glycinate Supplement
Chelated magnesium glycinate (also known as magnesium bisglycinate) is well absorbed without significant laxative effects. Limit one per order due to limited availability.
$22.98 Add to cartMagnesium and Fiber Supplements For Arthritis
Magnesium plays an essential role in managing arthritis symptoms and pain by regulating inflammation and pain signaling. Taking a magnesium supplement helps:
- Strengthen bones
- Maintain nerve and muscle function
- Regulate heart rhythm and blood sugar levels
- Maintain joint cartilage
Lower magnesium intake is associated with more severe pain and less functionality in individuals with arthritis, especially those with low fiber intake.
Fiber can be found in many food sources including fruits and vegetables, nuts, seeds, beans and whole grains but the American Society for Nutrition states only 5% of men and 9% of women are getting the recommended daily amount of fiber. Men benefit from approximately 40 grams of fiber per day and women 25 grams.
Those with arthritis or arthritic conditions who do not consume enough fiber may experience more severe symptoms of arthritis and less functionality. In a study of fiber intake and risk of knee osteoarthritis, those with a higher fiber intake were found to have a lower degree of symptoms. Although further research is needed to determine the effectiveness of fiber reducing arthritic conditions and symptoms, preliminary studies show promising results.
It is recommended to first try and consume the recommended daily value of fiber through your diet but if you still struggle to achieve the daily amount, Cooper Complete Microbiome Fiber supplement may help.
Boswellia Serrata Supplements
Also known as Indian frankincense, boswellia serrata supplements come from the resin or sap of boswellia serrata trees. Most of the studies in patients with osteoarthritis have shown taking boswellia serrata (alone or in combination with other ingredients such as turmeric) reduces pain and improves function when compared with the control. Although many studies are small or short in duration, boswellia serrata has been safely used in trials lasting as long as six months and daily.
Consider Multivitamin Supplements for Arthritis
Multivitamins aren’t typically suggested as supplements for arthritis. However, there’s research suggesting daily supplementation with a multivitamin might be helpful. C-reactive protein (CRP) is a protein in the blood produced by the liver. High CRP levels indicate systematic inflammation, which may occur due to injury, infection or fever. Elevated levels of CRP are associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease and diabetes and can also interfere with drugs taken to treat various types of arthritis. In those who have rheumatoid arthritis, lowering CRP levels reduces the spread and severity of the inflammation as well as prevents bones from deteriorating.
Researchers at The Cooper Institute® determined through a Vitamin and Supplementation Study that multivitamin supplementation with Cooper Complete® effectively reduces CRP levels. By measuring the effects of six vitamins, namely C, E, B6, B12, folate and beta carotene, within a 24-ingredient multivitamin/mineral formula (Cooper Complete Original Iron Free), researchers found:
- The multivitamin and mineral formulation significantly reduced CRP levels compared with those participants who took a placebo
- Following multivitamin supplementation, the prevalence of patients with a high-risk CRP level (>3.0 mg/L) reduced from 30% to 14%
- The average change in the patient’s CRP levels over six months was 0.70 mg/L
- The most significant reduction in CRP levels was seen in patients who initially had elevated CRP levels
As such, Cooper Complete Original Iron Free was found to reduce CRP levels significantly.
Managing Arthritic Symptoms
Taking the right supplements for your specific arthritis can help you manage your arthritic symptoms and improve your quality and quantity of life. As with any health-related issue, your physician understands your health profile best, so it is important to talk with them before adding or removing supplements from your routine.